Nonwoven material with high core bicomponent fibers

ABSTRACT

Nonwoven materials having at least one layer comprising high core bicomponent fibers are provided. The nonwoven materials can have multiple layers and are suitable for use in a variety of applications, including in absorbent products. Such nonwoven materials can be patterned to create a three-dimensional topography including indentations formed of valleys and ridges. The nonwoven materials can have improved resiliency and strength and can retain their structure under wetted conditions and after tension and compression. The nonwoven materials can further facilitate the transfer of the liquid through the nonwoven material for improved liquid distribution and can also have improved liquid retention properties.

This application is a national stage application of PCT/US19/21869,filed Mar. 12, 2019, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/641,865, filed Mar. 12, 2018,the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to nonwoven materialshaving at least one layer comprising high core bicomponent fibers andmethods of making the same. Such nonwoven materials can be patterned tocreate a three-dimensional topography including indentations formed ofvalleys and ridges. The nonwoven materials can be used for a variety ofapplications and can have improved resiliency and strength, improvedliquid distribution and retention properties, and can retain theirstructure in wetted conditions and after force is applied.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nonwoven structures are important in a wide range of consumer products,such as absorbent articles including baby diapers, adult incontinenceproducts, sanitary napkins, wipes, and the like. Such nonwovenstructures can include various layers and/or components, configured todirect and control the acquisition and retention of fluids. Each ofthese layers and/or components can include a specific fibrous networkthat provides the desired functionality. As such, for optimalperformance, it can be important to ensure that this fibrous networkremains intact during manufacturing and use of the nonwoven material.

For example, nonwoven materials can be used in wipes, e.g., for cleaningvarious surfaces or applying personal care products. Nonwoven materialsmade from synthetic and cellulose fibers are particularly suitable forthese applications because they can be a disposable and cost-effectivesingle-use alternative to fabric cloths and sponges. However, nonwovenwipes are typically provided to the consumer in a pre-wetted form thatis saturated with the desired cleaning or personal care lotion. Fibers,especially natural fibers, can swell and deform upon wetting, which canreduce the integrity and structure of the fibrous network. Moreover, thenonwoven material is subjected to several different compressive andtensile forces during the manufacturing and conversion processes, whichcan further strain the fibrous network and lead to collapse of thematerial.

Similarly, in absorbent articles for hygiene applications, variousforces are applied during manufacturing and while the material is wornby the user. Moreover, such absorbent articles are typically designed tocapture and retain a fluid and therefore can become wet over time.However, if the fibrous network collapses upon use or wetting, thematerial will be less able to absorb and store additional fluid overtime.

Thus, there remains a need in the art for nonwoven materials withimproved resilience, in which the fibrous network can maintain itsstructure upon compressive and tensile forces and while wetted with aliquid. There also remains a need in the art for nonwoven materials withimproved liquid retention and distribution properties. The disclosedsubject matter addresses these and other needs.

3. SUMMARY

The presently disclosed subject matter provides for nonwoven materialsthat include high core bicomponent fibers having a core to sheath ratioof greater than 1:1. Such nonwoven materials can be patterned to createa three-dimensional topography including indentations formed of valleysand ridges. Thus, as embodied herein, the present disclosure provides anairlaid nonwoven material comprising high core bicomponent fibers havinga polyester core and a polyethylene sheath and a core to sheath ratio ofgreater than about 1:1, in which the nonwoven material is patterned onat least one surface in the cross-machine direction (CD).

In certain embodiments, the high core bicomponent fibers can have a coreto sheath ratio of about 7:3. The airlaid nonwoven material can have abasis weight of from about 50 gsm to about 100 gsm and a caliper of fromabout 0.1 mm to about 7.5 mm. The airlaid nonwoven material can furtherinclude low core bicomponent fibers, i.e., bicomponent fibers having acore to sheath ratio of less than about 1:1. In certain embodiments, theairlaid nonwoven material can further include cellulose fibers.

In particular embodiments, an airlaid nonwoven material can have atleast two layers, including a first layer comprising low corebicomponent fibers and a second layer comprising high core bicomponentfibers. Alternatively, the first layer can comprise low core bicomponentfibers and cellulose fibers and the second layer can comprise high corebicomponent fibers. In certain embodiments, the nonwoven airlaidmaterial can further include a third layer including low corebicomponent fibers.

In other particular embodiments, an airlaid nonwoven material can haveat least three layers, including a first layer comprising low corebicomponent fibers and cellulose fibers, a second layer comprising highcore bicomponent fibers, and a third layer comprising low corebicomponent fibers and cellulose fibers. In certain aspects, suchmaterials can be incorporated into acquisition materials. For exampleand not limitation, the acquisition materials can be used, along with anabsorbent core, in various absorbent products.

In other particular embodiments, an airlaid nonwoven material can haveat least three layers, including a first layer comprising low corebicomponent fibers, a second layer comprising high core bicomponentfibers, and a third layer comprising cellulose fibers. In certainembodiments, the first layer and/or the second layer can further includecellulose fibers. For example, and not limitation, the cellulose fibersof the first layer and third layer can include eucalyptus pulp. Incertain aspects, such materials can be incorporated into absorbentproducts as multifunctional, unitary structures.

As embodied herein, the pattern on at least one surface of the nonwovenmaterial can include indentations, e.g., to create a three-dimensionaltopography. For example, the indentations can form valleys and ridges.The valleys and ridges can have different basis weights. The valleys canhave a basis weight of from about 5 gsm to about 15 gsm. The ridges canhave a basis weight of from about 35 gsm to about 45 gsm.

The foregoing has outlined broadly the features and technical advantagesof the present application in order that the detailed description thatfollows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages ofthe application will be described hereinafter which form the subject ofthe claims of the application. It should be appreciated by those skilledin the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may bereadily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structuresfor carrying out the same purposes of the present application. It shouldalso be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the applicationas set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which arebelieved to be characteristic of the application, both as to itsorganization and method of operation, together with further objects andadvantages will be better understood from the following description.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a comparison of the stack heights of the samples ofExample 3 after pressure.

FIG. 2 compares the stack heights of nonwoven materials of the presentdisclosure with that of a control material, and provides the percentincrease as compared to the control, in accordance with Example 3.

FIG. 3 provides a comparison of the machine-direction wet tensilestrengths of the samples of Example 3.

FIG. 4 provides the average acquisition times for Samples 4A-4C ofExample 4.

FIG. 5A provides a photograph of the pattern of Sample 5B of Example 5.

FIG. 5B provides a schematic representation, for illustrative purposesonly, of the pattern of Sample 5B of Example 5.

FIG. 6 provides the average acquisition times for Samples 5A-5B ofExample 5.

FIGS. 7A-7C provide the absorbency characteristics of Samples 6A-6H ofExample 6 when tested with 4 mL insults. FIG. 7A provides theacquisition times, FIG. 7B provides the rewet weight, and FIG. 7Cprovides the wicking data for each sample and the Control.

FIGS. 8A-8C provide the absorbency characteristics of Samples 6A and6C-6F of Example 6 when tested with 8 mL insults. FIG. 8A provides theacquisition times, FIG. 8B provides the rewet weight, and FIG. 8Cprovides the wicking data for each sample and the Control.

FIGS. 9A-9C provide the absorbency characteristics of Samples 6A, 6B,and 6F of Example 6 when tested with 10 mL insults. FIG. 9A provides theacquisition times, FIG. 9B provides the rewet weight, and FIG. 9Cprovides the wicking data for each sample and the Control.

FIGS. 10A-10C provide the absorbency characteristics of Samples 6C and6D of Example 6 when tested prior to compression, immediately aftercompression, and 1 hour after compression with 4 mL insults. FIG. 10Aprovides the acquisition times, FIG. 10B provides the rewet weight, andFIG. 10C provides the wicking data for each sample.

FIGS. 11A-11B provide photographs of Sample 7 of Example 7, wherein FIG.11A provides a plan view of the material whereas FIG. 11B provides across-sectional view of the material.

FIGS. 12A-12C provide photographs of embossed samples, as described inExample 7, wherein FIG. 12A provides a plan view of a sample embossedwith an oval-shaped design, FIG. 12B provides a plan view of a sampleembossed with a heart-shaped design, and FIG. 12C provides across-sectional view of an embossed sample.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter provides for nonwoven materialscontaining high core bicomponent fibers, which can be used for a varietyof applications. Such nonwoven materials can be patterned to create athree-dimensional topography including indentations formed of valleysand ridges. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides methodsfor making such materials. These and other aspects of the disclosedsubject matter are discussed more in the detailed description andexamples.

Definitions

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of this subject matter and inthe specific context where each term is used. Certain terms are definedbelow to provide additional guidance in describing the compositions andmethods of the disclosed subject matter and how to make and use them.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a compound”includes mixtures of compounds.

The term “about” or “approximately” means within an acceptable errorrange for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill inthe art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured ordetermined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. Forexample, “about” can mean within 3 or more than 3 standard deviations,per the practice in the art. Alternatively, “about” can mean a range ofup to 20%, preferably up to 10%, more preferably up to 5%, and morepreferably still up to 1% of a given value. Alternatively, particularlywith respect to systems or processes, the term can mean within an orderof magnitude, preferably within 5-fold, and more preferably within2-fold, of a value.

As used herein, the term “weight percent” is meant to refer to either(i) the quantity by weight of a constituent/component in the material asa percentage of the weight of a layer of the material; or (ii) to thequantity by weight of a constituent/component in the material as apercentage of the weight of the final nonwoven material or product.

The term “basis weight” as used herein refers to the quantity by weightof a compound over a given area. Examples of the units of measureinclude grams per square meter as identified by the acronym “gsm”.

As used herein, a “nonwoven” refers to a class of material, includingbut not limited to textiles or plastics. Nonwovens are sheet or webstructures made of fiber, filaments, molten plastic, or plastic filmsbonded together mechanically, thermally, or chemically. A nonwoven is afabric made directly from a web of fiber, without the yarn preparationnecessary for weaving or knitting. In a nonwoven, the assembly of fibersis held together by one or more of the following: (1) by mechanicalinterlocking in a random web or mat; (2) by fusing of the fibers, as inthe case of thermoplastic fibers; or (3) by bonding with a cementingmedium such as a natural or synthetic resin.

As used herein, the term “cellulose” or “cellulosic” includes anymaterial having cellulose as a major constituent, and specifically,comprising at least 50 percent by weight cellulose or a cellulosederivative. Thus, the term includes cotton, typical wood pulps,cellulose acetate, rayon, thermochemical wood pulp, chemical wood pulp,debonded chemical wood pulp, milkweed floss, microcrystalline cellulose,microfibrillated cellulose, and the like.

As used herein, the term “fiber” or “fibrous” refers to a particulatematerial wherein the length to diameter ratio of such particulatematerial is greater than about 10. Conversely, a “nonfiber” or“nonfibrous” material is meant to refer to a particulate materialwherein the length to diameter ratio of such particulate matter is about10 or less.

As used herein, the phrase “chemically modified,” when used in referenceto a fiber, means that the fiber has been treated with a polyvalentmetal-containing compound to produce a fiber with a polyvalentmetal-containing compound bound to it. It is not necessary that thecompound chemically bond with the fibers, although it is preferred thatthe compound remain associated in close proximity with the fibers, bycoating, adhering, precipitation, or any other mechanism such that it isnot dislodged from the fibers during normal handling of the fibers. Inparticular, the compound can remain associated with the fibers even whenwetted or washed with a liquid. For convenience, the association betweenthe fiber and the compound can be referred to as the bond, and thecompound can be said to be bound to the fiber.

As used herein, the phrase “high core bicomponent fibers” refers tobicomponent fibers having a core-sheath configuration, wherein the corecomprises more than 50% of the fiber, by weight. Equivalently stated, itcan be said that high core bicomponent fibers have a core to sheathratio of greater than 1:1.

As used therein, the phrase “low core bicomponent fibers” refers tobicomponent fibers having a core-sheath confirmation, wherein the corecomprises less than 50% of the fiber, by weight. Equivalently stated, itcan be said that low core bicomponent fibers have a core to sheath ratioof less than 1:1.

Fibers

The nonwoven materials of the presently disclosed subject mattercomprises fibers, and at least a portion of the fibers are bicomponentfibers, specifically, bicomponent fibers having a core-sheathconfiguration and comprising more than 50% core by weight, i.e., “highcore bicomponent fibers”. The remaining portion of the fibers of thenonwoven materials can be natural, synthetic, or a mixture thereof. Forexample, nonwoven materials of the present disclosure can furthercomprise fine cellulose fibers such as eucalyptus fibers.

Bicomponent Fibers

The presently disclosed subject matter contemplates the use of syntheticfibers, such as high core bicomponent fibers. Bicomponent fibers havinga core and sheath are known in the art, but the present disclosureutilizes novel bicomponent fibers having a high core to sheath ratiothat exceeds 1:1, i.e., the high core bicomponent fibers comprise morethan 50% core by weight. Without being bound to a particular theory, itis believed that the high core bicomponent fibers can impart improvedphysical integrity, resiliency, and resistance to mechanical compressionand/or tension to a nonwoven material. For example, the high corebicomponent fibers can impart these improved properties due to theincreased volume of the core relative to the sheath.

As embodied herein, the high core bicomponent fibers can have apolyethylene sheath. The core of the high core bicomponent fibers can bemade from a polymer with a melting point greater than about 200° C. andhigher density than the polyethylene sheath. For example and notlimitation, suitable core polymers include high melt point polyesters,such as polyethylene ter ephthalate) (PET), and polypropylene (PP). Thecore to sheath ratio of the high core bicomponent fibers can range fromabout 1:1 to about 2.5:1, or from about 1:1 to about 7:3, or from about1.5:1 to about 7:3. In particular embodiments, the core to sheath ratioof the high core bicomponent fibers can be about 7:3.

In certain embodiments, a high core bicomponent fiber can have a PETcore and a polyethylene sheath in an eccentric configuration, whereinthe PET core forms more than about 50% and no more than about 70% byweight of the fiber. For example, and not limitation, the PET core canform from about 60% to about 70% by weight of the fiber, and preferably,about 70% by weight of the fiber. In alternative embodiments, the highcore bicomponent fibers can comprise a polypropylene core and apolyethylene sheath. In particular embodiments, such a high corebicomponent fiber can have a dtex of from about 1.7 dtex and a cutlength of about 6 mm, although a person of skill in the art willappreciate that the bicomponent fiber can be formed with otherthicknesses and cut lengths. For example and not limitation, the highcore bicomponent fiber can have a dtex of from about 1.3 dtex to about6.7 dtex, or from about 1.7 dtex to about 3.3 dtex. Additionally oralternatively, the high core bicomponent fiber can have a cut length offrom about 4 mm to about 8 mm.

In addition to high core bicomponent fibers, the nonwoven material canfurther include any suitable additional bicomponent fibers, as known inthe art. The additional bicomponent fibers can be conventional,commercially available fibers or can be low core bicomponent fibers,having a core to sheath ratio of less than 1:1, i.e., the low corebicomponent fibers comprise less than 50% core by weight. For example,suitable low core bicomponent fibers can comprise a PET core and apolyethylene sheath in an eccentric configuration and the PET core canform at least about 30% and less than about 50% by weight of the fiber,preferably from about 30% to about 40% by weight of the fiber, and morepreferably about 30% by weight the fiber. In certain embodiments, thecore to sheath ratio of the low core bicomponent fibers can be about3:7. In particular embodiments, such a low core bicomponent fiber canhave a dtex of from about 1.5 dtex and a cut length of about 6 mm,although a person of skill in the art will appreciate that thebicomponent fiber can be formed with other thicknesses and cut lengths.In certain embodiments, a low core bicomponent fiber can impart improvedstrength to a nonwoven material, e.g., due to increased inter-fiberbonding due to the high volume of the sheath relative to the core.

However, many other varieties of bicomponent fibers are used in themanufacture of nonwoven materials, particularly those produced for usein airlaid techniques, and are suitable for use in the presentlydisclosed nonwoven materials. Various bicomponent fibers suitable foruse in the presently disclosed subject matter are disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,372,885 and 5,456,982, both of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties. Examples of bicomponent fibermanufacturers include, but are not limited to, Trevira (Bobingen,Germany), Fiber Innovation Technologies (Johnson City, Tenn.) and ESFiber Visions (Athens, Ga.).

The additional bicomponent fibers can also incorporate a variety ofpolymers as their core and sheath components. Bicomponent fibers thathave a PE (polyethylene) or modified PE sheath typically have a PET(polyethylene terephthalate) or PP (polypropylene) core. In certainembodiments, the bicomponent fibers have a core made of polypropyleneand a sheath made of polyethylene. Alternatively or additionally, thebicomponent fibers can have a core made of polyester (e.g., PET) and asheath made of polyethylene.

As embodied herein, the bicomponent fiber can be low staple fibershaving a dtex from about 1.0 dtex to about 15.0 dtex, or from about 1.0dtex to about 10.0 dtex, and more preferably no more than about 5.7dtex. For example, the dtex of the bicomponent fiber can be about 1.7dtex, about 2.0 dtex, about 2.2 dtex, about 3.0 dtex, about 3.3 dtex,about 5.0 dtex, or about 5.7 dtex. The length of the bicomponent fibercan be from about 2 mm to about 36 mm, preferably from about 3 mm toabout 12 mm, more preferably from about 3 mm to about 10 mm, even morepreferably from about 4 mm to about 8 mm. In certain embodiments, thelength of the bicomponent fiber is about 3 mm. In particularembodiments, the length of the bicomponent fiber is from about 4 mm toabout 6 mm, or about 4 mm, or about 6 mm.

Bicomponent fibers are typically fabricated commercially by meltspinning. In this procedure, each molten polymer is extruded through adie, for example, a spinneret, with subsequent pulling of the moltenpolymer to move it away from the face of the spinneret. This is followedby solidification of the polymer by heat transfer to a surrounding fluidmedium, for example chilled air, and taking up of the now solidfilament. Non-limiting examples of additional steps after melt spinningcan also include hot or cold drawing, heat treating, crimping andcutting. This overall manufacturing process is generally carried out asa discontinuous two-step process that first involves spinning of thefilaments and their collection into a tow that comprises numerousfilaments. During the spinning step, when molten polymer is pulled awayfrom the face of the spinneret, some drawing of the filament does occurwhich can also be called the draw-down. This is followed by a secondstep where the spun fibers are drawn or stretched to increase molecularalignment and crystallinity and to give enhanced strength and otherphysical properties to the individual filaments. Subsequent steps caninclude, but are not limited to, heat setting, crimping and cutting ofthe filament into fibers. The drawing or stretching step can involvedrawing the core of the bicomponent fiber, the sheath of the bicomponentfiber or both the core and the sheath of the bicomponent fiber dependingon the materials from which the core and sheath are comprised as well asthe conditions employed during the drawing or stretching process.

Bicomponent fibers can also be formed in a continuous process where thespinning and drawing are done in a continuous process. During the fibermanufacturing process it is desirable to add various materials to thefiber after the melt spinning step at various subsequent steps in theprocess. These materials can be referred to as “finish” and be comprisedof active agents such as, but not limited to, lubricants and anti-staticagents. The finish is typically delivered via an aqueous based solutionor emulsion. Finishes can provide desirable properties for both themanufacturing of the bicomponent fiber and for the user of the fiber,for example in an airlaid or wetlaid process.

Numerous other processes are involved before, during and after thespinning and drawing steps and are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,950,541, 5,082,899, 5,126,199, 5,372,885, 5,456,982, 5,705,565,2,861,319, 2,931,091, 2,989,798, 3,038,235, 3,081,490, 3,117,362,3,121,254, 3,188,689, 3,237,245, 3,249,669, 3,457,342, 3,466,703,3,469,279, 3,500,498, 3,585,685, 3,163,170, 3,692,423, 3,716,317,3,778,208, 3,787,162, 3,814,561, 3,963,406, 3,992,499, 4,052,146,4,251,200, 4,350,006, 4,370,114, 4,406,850, 4,445,833, 4,717,325,4,743,189, 5,162,074, 5,256,050, 5,505,889, 5,582,913, and 6,670,035,all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The presently disclosed subject matter can also include, but are notlimited to, articles that contain bicomponent fibers that are partiallydrawn with varying degrees of draw or stretch, highly drawn bicomponentfibers and mixtures thereof. These can include, but are not limited to,a highly drawn polyester core bicomponent fiber with a variety of sheathmaterials, specifically including a polyethylene sheath such asTREVIRA-255 (Varde, Denmark) or a highly drawn polypropylene corebicomponent fiber with a variety of sheath materials, specificallyincluding a polyethylene sheath such as ES FIBERVISIONS AL-ADHESION-C(Varde, Denmark). Additionally, TREVIRAT265 bicomponent fiber (Varde,Denmark), having a partially drawn core with a core made of polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT) and a sheath made of polyethylene can be used. Theuse of both partially drawn and highly drawn bicomponent fibers in thesame structure can be leveraged to meet specific physical andperformance properties based on how they are incorporated into thestructure.

The bicomponent fibers of the presently disclosed subject matter are notlimited in scope to any specific polymers for either the core or thesheath as any partially drawn core bicomponent fiber can provideenhanced performance regarding elongation and strength. The degree towhich the partially drawn bicomponent fibers are drawn is not limited inscope as different degrees of drawing will yield different enhancementsin performance. The scope of the partially drawn bicomponent fibersencompasses fibers with various core sheath configurations including,but not limited to concentric, eccentric, side by side, islands in asea, pie segments and other variations. The relative weight percentagesof the core and sheath components of the total fiber can be varied. Inaddition, the scope of this subject matter covers the use of partiallydrawn homopolymers such as polyester, polypropylene, nylon, and othermelt spinnable polymers. The scope of this subject matter also coversmulticomponent fibers that can have more than two polymers as part ofthe fiber structure.

Other Synthetic Fibers

Other synthetic fibers suitable for use in various embodiments as fibersor as bicomponent binder fibers include, but are not limited to, fibersmade from various polymers including, by way of example and not bylimitation, acrylic, polyamides (including, but not limited to, Nylon 6,Nylon 6/6, Nylon 12, polyaspartic acid, polyglutamic acid), polyamines,polyimides, polyacrylics (including, but not limited to, polyacrylamide,polyacrylonitrile, esters of methacrylic acid and acrylic acid),polycarbonates (including, but not limited to, polybisphenol Acarbonate, polypropylene carbonate), polydienes (including, but notlimited to, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, polynorbomene), polyepoxides,polyesters (including, but not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate,polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate,polycaprolactone, polyglycolide, polylactide, polyhydroxybutyrate,polyhydroxy valerate, polyethylene adipate, polybutylene adipate,polypropylene succinate), polyethers (including, but not limited to,polyethylene glycol (polyethylene oxide), polybutylene glycol,polypropylene oxide, polyoxymethylene (paraformaldehyde),polytetramethylene ether (polytetrahydrofuran), polyepichlorohydrin),polyfluorocarbons, formaldehyde polymers (including, but not limited to,urea-formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde, phenol formaldehyde), naturalpolymers (including, but not limited to, cellulosics, chitosans,lignins, waxes), polyolefins (including, but not limited to,polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polybutene, polyoctene),polyphenylenes (including, but not limited to, polyphenylene oxide,polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene ether sulfone), silicon containingpolymers (including, but not limited to, polydimethyl siloxane,polycarbomethyl silane), polyurethanes, polyvinyls (including, but notlimited to, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl alcohol, esters and ethers ofpolyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polystyrene, polymethylstyrene,polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl pryrrolidone, polymethyl vinyl ether,polyethyl vinyl ether, polyvinyl methyl ketone), polyacetals,polyarylates, and copolymers (including, but not limited to,polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate, polyethylene-co-acrylic acid,polybutylene terephthalate-co-polyethylene terephthalate,polylauryllactam-block-polytetrahydrofuran), polybutylene succinate andpolylactic acid based polymers. In certain embodiments, these polymermaterials can be used in a monocomponent fiber. Alternatively, two ormore polymer materials can be used together in a bicomponent fiber,e.g., a high core bicomponent fiber or a low core bicomponent fiber.

Cellulose Fibers

Any cellulose fibers known in the art, including cellulose fibers of anynatural origin, such as those derived from wood pulp or regeneratedcellulose, can be used in a cellulose fiber layer. In certainembodiments, cellulose fibers include, but are not limited to, digestedfibers, such as kraft, prehydrolyzed kraft, soda, sulfite, chemi-thermalmechanical, and thermo-mechanical treated fibers, derived from softwood,hardwood or cotton linters. In other embodiments, cellulose fibersinclude, but are not limited to, kraft digested fibers, includingprehydrolyzed kraft digested fibers. Non-limiting examples of cellulosefibers suitable for use in this subject matter are the cellulose fibersderived from softwoods, such as pines, firs, and spruces. Other suitablecellulose fibers include, but are not limited to, those derived fromEsparto grass, bagasse, kemp, flax, hemp, kenaf, and other lignaceousand cellulosic fiber sources. Suitable cellulose fibers include, but arenot limited to, bleached Kraft southern pine fibers sold under thetrademark FOLEY FLUFFS® (available from GP Cellulose).

The nonwoven material of the disclosed subject matter can also include,but is not limited to, a commercially available bright fluff pulpincluding, but not limited to, southern softwood fluff pulp (such asTreated FOLEY FLUFFS® or Golden Isles® 4723 from GP Cellulose), northernsoftwood sulfite pulp (such as T 730 from Weyerhaeuser), or hardwoodpulp (such as eucalyptus). In particular embodiments, eucalyptus pulpcan be used in a cellulose fiber layer (such as eucalyptus pulp orSUZANO, untreated). While certain pulps can be preferred based on avariety of factors, any cellulosic fluff pulp or mixtures thereof can beused. In certain embodiments, wood cellulose, cotton linter pulp,chemically modified cellulose such as crosslinked cellulose fibers andhighly purified cellulose fibers can be used. Non-limiting examples ofadditional pulps are FOLEY FLUFFS® FFTAS (also known as FFTAS or GPCellulose FFT-AS pulp), and WEYCO CF401.

In certain embodiments, fine fibers, such as certain hardwood fibers canbe used. Certain non-limiting examples of such fine fibers, with sampleproperties as obtained by Kajaani analysis, are provided in Table 1.

TABLE 1 L. Wt. Avg. (0.25- (0.00- % Fines % Fines Fiber Width KajaaniKink Sample 7.60 mm) 7.60 mm) Wt. Avg. (n) (μm) Curl % (1/m) Stora LKC2.46 2.43 1.22 11.83 23.4 24.7 1300 Biobright FSC 1.92 1.86 3.25 21.1718.9 20.4 1350 Stora EF 2.24 2.17 3.57 27.37 22.2 22.9 1382 BiobrightTCF 2.02 1.96 3.33 22.55 18.6 22.7 1516 Steinfurt Domtar 2.59 2.54 1.8818.46 24.6 24.0 1455 Domtar Ashdown 2.56 2.50 2.35 21.09 24.2 23.2 1345Softwood Eucalyptus 0.83 0.81 2.07 9.32 13.1 15.4 1857 GP-4723 2.85 2.792.31 23.26 25.5 22.4 1080 FFLE+ 2.86 2.83 1.28 13.99 26.8 21.2 795GI-4725 2.84 2.78 2.40 23.86 25.6 20.9 803 GI-4757 2.79 2.76 1.00 12.2925.9 25.5 1411

Chemically Modified Cellulose Fibers

The presently disclosed subject matter contemplates the use ofcellulose-based fibers that are chemically modified. As embodied herein,the cellulose fibers can be chemically treated with a compoundcomprising a polyvalent metal ion, e.g., a polyvalent cation. Suchchemically modified fibers are described, for the purpose ofillustration and not limitation, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,562,743 and8,946,100, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties. The chemically modified cellulose fibers canoptionally be associated with a weak acid. For example, suitablemodified cellulose fibers include aluminum-modified FFLE+ fibers from GPCellulose.

The chemically modified cellulose fiber can be treated with from about0.1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of the polyvalentcation-containing compound, based on the dry weight of the untreatedfiber, desirably with from about 2 weight percent to about 12 weightpercent of the polyvalent metal-containing compound, and preferably withfrom about 3 weight percent to about 8 weight percent of the polyvalentcation-containing compound, based on the dry weight of the untreatedfiber.

Any polyvalent metal salt including transition metal salts can be used,provided that the compound is capable of increasing the stability of thecellulose fiber in an alkaline environment. Examples of suitablepolyvalent metals include beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium,barium, titanium, zirconium, vanadium, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten,manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, aluminum and tin.Preferred ions include aluminum, iron and tin. The preferred metal ionshave oxidation states of +3 or +4. In certain embodiments, thepolyvalent metal is aluminum. Any salt containing the polyvalent metalion can be employed. Examples of suitable inorganic salts of the abovemetals include chlorides, nitrates, sulfates, borates, bromides,iodides, fluorides, nitrides, perchlorates, phosphates, hydroxides,sulfides, carbonates, bicarbonates, oxides, alkoxides phenoxides,phosphites, and hypophosphites. Examples of suitable organic salts ofthe above metals include formates, acetates, butyrates, hexanoates,adipates, citrates, lactates, oxalates, propionates, salicylates,glycinates, tartrates, glycolates, sulfonates, phosphonates, glutamates,octanoates, benzoates, gluconates, maleates, succinates, and4,5-dihydroxy-benzene-1,3-disulfonates. In addition to the polyvalentmetal salts, other compounds such as complexes of the above saltsinclude amines, ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA),diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (DIPA), nitrilotri-acetic acid(NTA), 2,4-pentanedione, and ammonia can be used. In certainembodiments, the polyvalent metal salt is aluminum chloride, aluminumhydroxide, or aluminum sulfate. Alum is an aluminum sulfate salt whichis soluble in water. In an aqueous slurry of cellulose, some of the alumwill penetrate the fiber cell wall, but since the concentration of ionsis low, most of the dissolved aluminum sulfate salt will be outside thefiber. When the pH is adjusted to precipitate aluminum hydroxide, mostof the precipitate adheres to the fiber surface.

In certain embodiments, the chemically modified cellulose fiber has anacid bound or otherwise associated with it. A variety of suitable acidscan be employed, although the acid preferably should have a lowvolatility. In certain embodiments, the acid is a weak acid. Forexample, and not limitation, suitable acids include inorganic acids suchas sodium bisulfate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and disodium hydrogenphosphate, and organic acids such as formic, acetic, aspartic,propionic, butyric, hexanoic, benzoic, gluconic, oxalic, malonic,succinic, glutaric, tartaric, maleic, malic, phthalic, sulfonic,phosphonic, salicylic, glycolic, citric, butanetetracarboxylic acid(BTCA), octanoic, polyacrylic, polysulfonic, polymaleic, andlignosulfonic acids, as well as hydrolyzed-polyacrylamide and CMC(carboxymethylcellulose). Among the carboxylic acids, acids with twocarboxyl groups are preferred, and acids with three carboxyl groups aremore preferred. In certain embodiments, the acid is citric acid.

In general, the amount of acid employed can depend on the acidity andthe molecular weight of the acid. In certain embodiments, the acidcomprises from about 0.5 weight percent of the fibers to about 10 weightpercent of the fibers. As used herein, the “weight percent of thefibers” refers to the weight percent of dry fiber treated with thepolyvalent metal containing compound, i.e., based on the dry weight ofthe treated fibers. For example, in certain embodiments, the acid iscitric acid in an amount of from about 0.5 weight percent to about 3weight percent of the fibers. A preferred combination is analuminum-containing compound and citric acid. For the chemically treatedfibers of this aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, it isdesirable that the weak acid content of the chemically treated fibers isfrom about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent based on thedry weight of the treated fibers, more desirably, from about 0.5 weightpercent to about 5 weight percent based on the dry weight of the treatedfibers, and, preferably, from about 0.5 weight percent to about 3 weightpercent based on the dry weight of the treated fibers.

Alternatively, in certain embodiments, a buffer salt can be used insteadof a weak acid in combination with the polyvalent metal-containingcompound. Any buffer salt that in water would provide a solution havinga pH of less than about 7 is suitable. For example, and not limitation,suitable buffer salts include sodium acetate, sodium oxalate, sodiumtartrate, sodium phthalate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, disodiumhydrogen phosphate and sodium borate. Buffer salts can be used incombination with their acids in a combination that in water wouldprovide a solution having a pH of less than about 7, for example, oxalicacid/sodium oxalate, tartaric acid/sodium tartrate, sodiumphthalate/phthalic acid, and sodium dihydrogen phosphate/disodiumhydrogen phosphate.

In a further variations, the polyvalent metal-containing compound can beused in combination with an insoluble metal hydroxide, such as, forexample, magnesium hydroxide, or in combination with one or more alkalistable anti-oxidant chemicals or alkali stable reducing agents thatwould inhibit fiber degradation in an alkaline oxygen environment.Examples include inorganic chemicals such as sodium sulfite, and organicchemicals such as hydroquinone.

For the chemically modified cellulose fibers, it is desirable that thebuffer salt content, the buffer salt weak acid combination content, theinsoluble metal hydroxide content and/or the antioxidant content of thechemically treated fibers is from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10weight percent based on the dry weight of the treated fibers, moredesirably, from about 0.5 weight percent to about 5 weight percent basedon the dry weight of the treated fibers, and, preferably, from about 0.5weight percent to about 3 weight percent based on the dry weight of thetreated fibers.

In certain embodiments, reducing agents can be applied to the modifiedcellulose fibers to maintain desired levels of fiber brightness, byreducing brightness reversion. The addition of acidic substances cancause browning of fibers when heated during processing of webscontaining the fibers. Reducing agents counter the browning of thefibers. The reducing agent can also bond to the fibers. Suitablereducing agents include sodium hypophosphite, sodium bisulfite, andmixtures thereof.

The fibers suitable for use in the practice of the presently disclosedsubject matter can be treated in a variety of ways to provide thepolyvalent metal ion-containing compound in close association with thefibers. A preferred method is to introduce the compound in solution withthe fibers in slurry form and cause the compound to precipitate onto thesurface of the fibers. Alternatively, the fibers can be sprayed with thecompound in aqueous or non-aqueous solution or suspension. The fiberscan be treated while in an individualized state, or in the form of aweb. For example, the compound can be applied directly onto the fibersin powder or other physical form. Whatever method is used, however, itis preferred that the compound remain bound to the fibers, such that thecompound is not dislodged during normal physical handling of the fiberbefore contact of the fiber with liquid.

In a preferred embodiment, the treated fibers of the presently disclosedsubject matter are made from cellulose fiber known as FOLEY FLUFFS® fromGP Cellulose. The pulp is slurried, the pH is adjusted to about 4.0, andaluminum sulfate (Al₂(SO₄)₃) in aqueous solution is added to the slurry.The slurry is stirred and the consistency reduced. Under agitation, thepH of the slurry is increased to approximately 5.7. The fibers are thenformed into a web or sheet, dried, and, optionally, sprayed with asolution of citric acid at a loading of about 2.5 weight percent of thefibers. The web is then packaged and shipped to end users for furtherprocessing, including fiberization to form individualized fibers usefulin the manufacture of various products.

In another preferred embodiment, the treated fibers of the presentlydisclosed subject matter are made from cellulose fiber obtained from GPCellulose. The pulp is slurried, the pH is adjusted to about 4.0, andaluminum sulfate (Al₂(SO₄)₃) in aqueous solution is added to the slurry.The slurry is stirred and the consistency reduced. Under agitation, thepH of the slurry is increased to approximately 5.7. The fibers are thenformed into a web or sheet, dried, and sprayed with a solution of sodiumoleate at a loading of about 1.0 weight percent of the fibers. The webis then packaged and shipped to end users for further processing,including re-slurrying to form a web useful in the manufacture offiltration products. If a reducing agent is to be applied, preferably itis applied before a drying step and following any other applicationsteps. The reducing agent can be applied by spraying, painting orfoaming.

Metal ion content, including aluminum or iron content, in pulp samplescan be determined by wet ashing (oxidizing) the sample with nitric andperchloric acids in a digestion apparatus. A blank is oxidized andcarried through the same steps as the sample. The sample is thenanalyzed using an inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometer, such as,for example, a Perkin-Elmer ICP 6500. From the analysis, the ion contentin the sample can be determined in parts per million. The polyvalentcation content desirably is from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5.0weight percent, based on the dry weight of the treated fibers, moredesirably, from about 0.1 weight percent to about 3.0 weight percent,based on the dry weight of the treated fibers, preferably from about 0.1weight percent to about 1.5 weight percent, based on the dry weight ofthe treated fibers, more preferably, from about 0.2 weight percent toabout 0.9 weight percent, based on the dry weight of the treated fibers,and more preferably from about 0.3 weight percent to about 0.8 weightpercent, based on the dry weight of the treated fibers.

Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that by thisprocess, the soluble (Al₂(SO₄)₃) introduced to the pulp slurry isconverted to insoluble Al(OH)₃ as the pH is increased. The insolublealuminum hydroxide precipitates onto the fiber. Thus, the resultantchemically treated cellulose fibers are coated with Al(OH)₃ or containthe insoluble metal within the fiber interior.

The sodium oleate sprayed onto the web containing the fibers dries onthe fibers. When the Al(OH)₃-oleate treated fibers are formed into afilter based sheet, the aluminum and oleate ions create a hydrophobicenvironment in addition to increasing the wet strength of the structure.These results are exemplified in the procedures set forth below.

In another embodiment, hydrated aluminum sulfate and sodium oleate aresprayed on the fiber after the drying section of a paper machine. Inanother embodiment, hydrated aluminum sulfate and sodium oleate areprecipitated onto the fiber in the wet end section of a paper machine.In another embodiment, hydrated aluminum sulfate and sodiumhypophosphite are sprayed on the fiber prior to the pressing stage, andsodium oleate is sprayed after drying. In another embodiment, hydratedaluminum sulfate, sodium hypophosphite and sodium oleate are sprayed onthe fiber prior to the pressing stage. In yet another embodiment,hydrated aluminum sulfate is precipitated onto the fiber, hydratedaluminum and sodium hypophosphite are sprayed on the fiber prior topressing, and sodium oleate is sprayed on the fiber after drying. Inanother embodiment, hydrated aluminum sulfate is precipitated onto thefiber and sodium oleate is sprayed on the fiber prior to the pressingstage.

Various materials, structures and manufacturing processes can be used inconnection with the presently disclosed modified cellulose fibers, forexample and not limitation, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,241,713,6,353,148, 6,353,148, 6,171,441, 6,159,335, 5,695,486, 6,344,109,5,068,079, 5,492,759, 5,269,049, 5,601,921, 5,693,162, 5,922,163,6,007,653, 6,355,079, 6,403,857, 6,479,415, 6,562,742, 6,562,743,6,559,081, 6,495,734, 6,420,626, and 8,946,100, and in U.S. PatentPublication Nos. US2004/0208175 and US2002/0013560, all of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

In certain embodiments, chemically modified cellulose such ascross-linked cellulose fibers and highly purified cellulose fibers canbe used. In particular embodiments, the modified cellulose fibers arecrosslinked cellulose fibers. In certain embodiments, the modifiedcellulose fibers comprise a polyhydroxy compound. Non-limiting examplesof polyhydroxy compounds include glycerol, trimethylolpropane,pentaerythritol, polyvinyl alcohol, partially hydrolyzed polyvinylacetate, and fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate.

In certain embodiments, the modified cellulose pulp fibers have beensoftened or plasticized to be inherently more compressible thanunmodified pulp fibers. The same pressure applied to a plasticized pulpweb will result in higher density than when applied to an unmodifiedpulp web. Additionally, the densified web of plasticized cellulosefibers is inherently softer than a similar density web of unmodifiedfiber of the same wood type. Softwood pulps can be made morecompressible using cationic surfactants as debonders to disruptinterfiber associations. Use of one or more debonders facilitates thedisintegration of the pulp sheet into fluff in the airlaid process.Examples of debonders include, but are not limited to, those disclosedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,432,833, 4,425,186 and 5,776,308, all of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. One example of adebonder-treated cellulose pulp is FFLE+. Plasticizers for cellulose,which can be added to a pulp slurry prior to forming wetlaid sheets, canalso be used to soften pulp, although they act by a different mechanismthan debonding agents. Plasticizing agents act within the fiber, at thecellulose molecule, to make flexible or soften amorphous regions. Theresulting fibers are characterized as limp. Since the plasticized fiberslack stiffness, the comminuted pulp is easier to densify compared tofibers not treated with plasticizers. Plasticizers include, but are notlimited to, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol, low molecular weightpolyglycol such as polyethylene glycols, and polyhydroxy compounds.These and other plasticizers are described and exemplified in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,098,996, 5,547,541 and 4,731,269, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties. Ammonia, urea, andalkylamines are also known to plasticize wood products, which mainlycontain cellulose (A. J. Stamm, Forest Products Journal 5(6):413, 1955,hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety).

Binders

Suitable binders include, but are not limited to, liquid binders andpowder binders. Non-limiting examples of liquid binders includeemulsions, solutions, or suspensions of binders. Non-limiting examplesof binders include polyethylene powders, copolymer binders, vinylacetateethylene binders, styrene-butadiene binders, urethanes, urethane-basedbinders, acrylic binders, thermoplastic binders, natural polymer basedbinders, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable binders include, but are not limited to, copolymers, includingvinyl-chloride containing copolymers such as WACKER VINNOL 4500, WACKERVINNOL 4514, and WACKER VINNOL 4530, vinylacetate ethylene (“VAE”)copolymers, which can have a stabilizer such as WACKER VINNAPAS 192,WACKER VINNAPASEF 539, WACKER VINNAPASEP907, WACKER VINNAPASEP129,CELANESE DUROSET E130, CELANESE DUR-O-SET ELITE 130 25-1813 and CELANESEDUR-O-SET TX-849, CELANESE 75-524A, polyvinyl alcohol-polyvinyl acetateblends such as WACKER VINAC 911, vinyl acetate homopolyers, polyvinylamines such as BASF Luredur, acrylics, cationic acrylamides,polyacryliamides such as BERCON BERSTRENGTH 5040 and BERCON BERSTRENGTH5150, hydroxyethyl cellulose, starch such as National Starch CATO® 232,National Starch CATO® 255, National Starch Optibond, National StarchOptipro, or National Starch OptiPLUS, guar gum, styrene-butadienes,urethanes, urethane-based binders, thermoplastic binders, acrylicbinders, and carboxymethyl cellulose such as Hercules Aqualon CMC. Incertain embodiments, the binder is a natural polymer based binder.Non-limiting examples of natural polymer based binders include polymersderived from starch, cellulose, chitin, and other polysaccharides.

In certain embodiments, the binder is water-soluble. In one embodiment,the binder is a vinylacetate ethylene copolymer. One non-limitingexample of such copolymers is EP907 (Wacker Chemicals, Munich, Germany).VINNAPAS EP907 can be applied at a level of about 10% solidsincorporating about 0.75% by weight AEROSOL OT (Cytec Industries, WestPaterson, N.J.), which is an anionic surfactant. Other classes of liquidbinders such as styrene-butadiene and acrylic binders can also be used.

In certain embodiments, the binder is not water-soluble. Examples ofthese binders include, but are not limited to, VINNAPAS 124 and 192(WACKER), which can have an opacifier and whitener, including, but notlimited to, titanium dioxide, dispersed in the emulsion. Other bindersinclude, but are not limited to, Celanese Emulsions (Bridgewater, N.J.)Elite 22 and Elite 33.

In certain embodiments, the binder is a thermoplastic binder. Suchthermoplastic binders include, but are not limited to, any thermoplasticpolymer which can be melted at temperatures which will not extensivelydamage the cellulose fibers. Preferably, the melting point of thethermoplastic binding material will be less than about 175° C. Examplesof suitable thermoplastic materials include, but are not limited to,suspensions of thermoplastic binders and thermoplastic powders. Inparticular embodiments, the thermoplastic binding material can be, forexample, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, and/orpolyvinylidene chloride.

The binder can be non-crosslinkable or crosslinkable. In certainembodiments, the binder is WD4047 urethane-based binder solutionsupplied by HB Fuller. In one embodiment, the binder is MICHEM PRIME4983-45N dispersion of ethylene acrylic acid (“EAA”) copolymer suppliedby Michelman. In certain embodiments, the binder is DUR-O-SET ELITE 22LVemulsion of VAE binder supplied by Celanese Emulsions (Bridgewater, N.J.). As noted above, in particular embodiments, the binder iscrosslinkable. It is also understood that crosslinkable binders are alsoknown as permanent wet strength binders. A permanent wet-strength binderincludes, but is not limited to, Kymene® (Hercules Inc., Wilmington,Del.), Parez® (American Cyanamid Company, Wayne, N.J.), WACKER VINNAPASor AF192 (Wacker Chemie AG, Munich, Germany), or the like. Variouspermanent wet-strength agents are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,345,543,2,926,116, and 2,926,154, the disclosures of which are incorporated byreference in their entirety. Other permanent wet-strength bindersinclude, but are not limited to, polyamine-epichlorohydrin, polyamideepichlorohydrin or polyamide-amine epichlorohydrin resins, which arecollectively termed “PAE resins”. Non-limiting exemplary permanentwet-strength binders include KYMENE 557H or KYMENE 557LX (Hercules Inc.,Wilmington, Del.) and have been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,700,623and 3,772,076, which are incorporated herein in their entirety byreference thereto.

Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the binder is a temporarywet-strength binder. The temporary wet-strength binders include, but arenot limited to, Hercobond® (Hercules Inc., Wilmington, Del.), Parez® 750(American Cyanamid Company, Wayne, N.J.), Parez® 745 (American CyanamidCompany, Wayne, N.J.), or the like. Other suitable temporarywet-strength binders include, but are not limited to, dialdehyde starch,polyethylene imine, mannogalactan gum, glyoxal, and dialdehydemannogalactan. Other suitable temporary wet-strength agents aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,556,932, 5,466,337, 3,556,933, 4,605,702,4,603,176, 5,935,383, and 6,017,417, all of which are incorporatedherein in their entirety by reference thereto.

In certain embodiments, binders are applied as emulsions in amountsranging from about from about 1 gsm to about 15 gsm, or from about 2 gsmto about 10 gsm, or from about 2 gsm to about 8 gsm, or from about 3 gsmto about 5 gsm. In particular embodiments, binders are applied asemulsions in amounts of about 1 gsm, about 1.36 gsm, about 3 gsm, about3.8 gsm, or about 5 gsm. The emulsion can further include one or moreadditional components. For example and not limitation, the emulsion caninclude one or more surfactants in an amount of from about 0.5 wt-% toabout 1.5 wt-% based on the total weight of the emulsion. In certainembodiments, the emulsion can include one or more surfactants in anamount of about 0.8 wt.-% based on the total weight of the emulsion. Inparticular embodiments, binder can be applied as an emulsion in anamount of about 3.8 gsm with about 0.12 gsm of a surfactant. The binder,whether or not part of an emulsion, can be applied to one side of afibrous layer, preferably an externally facing layer. Alternatively,binder can be applied to both sides of a layer, in equal ordisproportionate amounts.

Other Additives

The materials of the presently disclosed subject matter can also containother additives. For example, the materials can contain superabsorbentpolymer (SAP). The types of superabsorbent polymers which can be used inthe disclosed subject matter include, but are not limited to, SAPs intheir particulate form such as powder, irregular granules, sphericalparticles, staple fibers and other elongated particles. U.S. Pat. Nos.5,147,343, 5,378,528, 5,795,439, 5,807,916, 5,849,211, and 6,403,857,which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties, describevarious superabsorbent polymers and methods of making superabsorbentpolymers. One example of a superabsorbent polymer forming system iscrosslinked acrylic copolymers of metal salts of acrylic acid andacrylamide or other monomers such as2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid. Many conventional granularsuperabsorbent polymers are based on poly(acrylic acid) which has beencrosslinked during polymerization with any of a number ofmulti-functional co-monomer crosslinking agents well-known in the art.Examples of multi-functional crosslinking agents are set forth in U.S.Pat. Nos. 2,929,154, 3,224,986, 3,332,909, and 4,076,673, which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. For instance,crosslinked carboxylated polyelectrolytes can be used to formsuperabsorbent polymers. Other water-soluble polyelectrolyte polymersare known to be useful for the preparation of superabsorbents bycrosslinking, these polymers include: carboxymethyl starch,carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan salts, gelatine salts, etc. They arenot, however, commonly used on a commercial scale to enhance absorbencyof dispensable absorbent articles mainly due to their higher cost.Superabsorbent polymer granules useful in the practice of this subjectmatter are commercially available from a number of manufacturers, suchas BASF, Dow Chemical (Midland, Mich.), Stockhausen (Greensboro, N.C.),Chemdal (Arlington Heights, Ill.), and Evonik (Essen, Germany).Non-limiting examples of SAP include a surface crosslinked acrylic acidbased powder such as STOCKHAUSEN 9350 or SX70, BASF HYSORB FEM 33N, orEVONIK FAVOR SXM 7900.

In certain embodiments, SAP can be used in a layer in amounts rangingfrom about 5 wt-% to about 100 wt-% based on the total weight of thestructure. In particular embodiments, a layer comprising 100 wt-% SAPcan be disposed between two adjacent layers containing fibers. Incertain embodiments, the amount of SAP in a layer can range from about10 gsm to about 60 gsm, or from about 20 gsm to about 50 gsm, or fromabout 30 gsm to about 40 gsm. In particular embodiments, the amount ofSAP in a layer can be about 35 gsm.

Nonwoven Material

The presently disclosed subject matter provides for a nonwoven materialthat incorporates high core bicomponent fibers. Such nonwoven materialscan be patterned to create a three-dimensional topography includingindentations formed of valleys and ridges. As embodied herein, thenonwoven material can include at least one layer, at least two layers,at least three layers, at least four layers, at least five layers, atleast six layers, at least seven layers, or at least eight layers,wherein at least one layer contains high core bicomponent fibers.Additionally, each layer can comprise a specific fibrous content, and assuch can include other synthetic fibers and/or cellulose fibers. Inparticular embodiments, the nonwoven material comprises at least onelayer including fine cellulose fibers such as eucalyptus fibers.

As embodied herein, the nonwoven material can be an airlaid material.For example and not limitation, the material can be a thermally bondedairlaid (TBAL) material comprising high core bicomponent fibers. Forfurther example, the nonwoven material can be a multi-bonded airlaid(MBAL) material comprising high core bicomponent fibers and a binder.

In certain embodiments, the nonwoven material can include a single layercomprising high core bicomponent fibers. The layer can further includeadditional fiber types, such as other synthetic fibers and/or cellulosefibers. In certain embodiments, the single layer can further include lowcore bicomponent fibers. For example and not limitation, the high corebicomponent fibers can have a core to sheath ratio of about 7:3 and thelow core bicomponent fibers can have a core to sheath ratio of about3:7.

For further example, in particular embodiments, the nonwoven materialcan include at least two layers, wherein at least one layer containshigh core bicomponent fibers. For example and not limitation, a firstlayer can contain high core bicomponent fibers and a second layer,adjacent to the first layer, can contain low core bicomponent fibers(i.e., bicomponent fibers having less than 50% core by weight). Incertain embodiments, at least one of the first layer and the secondlayer can contain a blend of high core bicomponent fibers and low corebicomponent fibers. Thus, in certain embodiments, both layers of atwo-layer structure can contain high core fibers and at least one of thelayers can additionally include low core bicomponent fibers.Additionally, the first layer and the second layer can further includeadditional synthetic and/or cellulose fibers. In particular embodiments,the high core bicomponent fibers can have a core to sheath ratio ofabout 7:3 and the low core bicomponent fibers can have a core to sheathratio of about 3:7.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the nonwoven material can includea third layer, adjacent to the second layer. The third layer canoptionally include high core bicomponent fibers and/or other fiber typessuch as low core bicomponent fibers, other synthetic fibers, and/orcellulose fibers. In specific embodiments, the first and third layerscan comprise high core bicomponent fibers and the second, intermediatelayer can comprise low core bicomponent fibers. In other specificembodiments, the first and third layers can comprise low corebicomponent fibers and the second, intermediate layer can comprise highcore bicomponent fibers. One or more of the first, second, and thirdlayers can additionally include cellulose fibers. In other certainembodiments, at least one layer does not include cellulose fibers. Incertain embodiments, the nonwoven material includes three or fewerlayers. Additionally, in particular embodiments, the first and thirdlayers can include a blend of high core bicomponent fibers and low corebicomponent fibers and the second layer can include low core bicomponentfibers. In such embodiment, each layer can additionally includecellulose fibers.

In certain embodiments, the nonwoven material can be a four layersubstrate. The outer layers can include synthetic fibers, such as lowcore bicomponent fibers, whereas at least one intermediate layerincludes high core bicomponent fibers. In certain embodiments, at leastone of the outer layers can further include high core bicomponentfibers. One or more of the layers can additionally include cellulosefibers. In certain embodiments, both intermediate layers can comprisehigh core bicomponent fibers. Additionally or alternatively, at leastone of the intermediate layers can include a blend of high corebicomponent fibers and low core bicomponent fibers. In particularembodiments, the nonwoven material having four layers can include outerlayers including low core bicomponent fibers, a first intermediate layerincluding low core bicomponent fibers, and a second intermediate layerincluding high core bicomponent fibers. In such embodiment, all layerscan additionally include cellulose fibers.

Alternatively, a two layer material can comprise high core bicomponentfibers in a first layer and a second type of synthetic fibers in asecond layer. This second type of synthetic fibers need not be high coreor low core bicomponent fibers, and can instead be monocomponent fibersor conventional bicomponent fibers, e.g., having a 1:1 core to sheathratio. Such conventional bicomponent fibers can also have a core-sheathconfiguration and can be formed of any suitable material, as known inthe art. When bicomponent fibers are present in the second layer, thebicomponent fibers of the second layer can be formed from the same ordifferent material as the high core bicomponent fibers. For example, incertain embodiments, both the high core bicomponent fibers in the firstlayer and the bicomponent fibers of the second layer can comprise a PETcore and a polyethylene sheath, just with differing core to sheathratios. In other embodiments, the bicomponent fibers of the second layercan comprise a different polymeric core material, such as polypropylene.Additionally or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the high corebicomponent fibers of the first layer can be concentric whereas thebicomponent fibers of the second layer can be eccentric.

The first layer, comprising high core bicomponent fibers, can furtherinclude additional fiber types such as low core bicomponent fibers,other synthetic fibers, and/or cellulose fibers. For example, the firstlayer can include cellulose fibers along with the high core bicomponentfibers. For example and not limitation, the cellulose fibers cancomprise cellulose fluff and/or eucalyptus pulp. In certain embodiments,the cellulose fibers of a layer can comprise only hardwood fibers, suchas eucalyptus fibers. Alternatively, the cellulose fibers of a layer cancomprise a mixture of hardwood and softwood fibers. Alternatively, thecellulose fibers of a layer can comprise only softwood fibers.Additionally or alternatively, the first layer can be coated on at leastof a portion of its outer surface with a binder. It is not necessarythat the binder chemically bond with a portion of the layer, although itis preferred that the binder remain associated in close proximity withthe layer, by coating, adhering, precipitation, or any other mechanismsuch that it is not dislodged from the layer during normal handling ofthe layer. For convenience, the association between the layer and thebinder discussed above can be referred to as the bond, and the compoundcan be said to be bonded to the layer. If present, the binder can beapplied in amounts ranging from about 1 gsm to about 15 gsm, or fromabout 2 gsm to about 10 gsm, or from about 2 gsm to about 8 gsm, or fromabout 3 gsm to about 5 gsm.

Overall, the first layer can have a basis weight of from about 5 gsm toabout 100 gsm, or from about 5 gsm to about 80 gsm, or from about 10 gsmto about 60 gsm, or from about 20 gsm to about 50 gsm, or from about 25gsm to about 45 gsm, or from about 30 gsm to about 40 gsm. When thefirst layer includes a blend of high core bicomponent fibers and anothertype of fiber, the high core bicomponent fibers can be present in anamount of from about 5 wt-% to about 100 wt-%, or from about 5 wt-% toabout 75 wt-%, or from about 10 wt-% to about 50 wt-%, or from about 15wt-% to about 40 wt-%, or from about 20 wt-% to about 35 wt-%.

In these embodiments, the second layer, comprising a second type ofsynthetic fibers, can have a basis weight of from about 5 gsm to about100 gsm, or from about 5 gsm to about 75 gsm, or from about 5 gsm toabout 50 gsm, or from about 10 gsm to about 45 gsm, or from about 15 gsmto about 40 gsm, or from about 20 gsm to about 35 gsm.

The material can optionally include a third layer, disposed between thefirst layer comprising high core bicomponent fibers and the second layercomprising a second type of bicomponent fibers, which can includesynthetic and/or cellulose fibers. For example, in certain embodiments,the third layer can also contain synthetic fibers, such as bicomponentfibers. The bicomponent fibers of the third layer can be the same as ordifferent than the bicomponent fibers of the second layer. The thirdlayer can have a basis weight of from about 5 gsm to about 100 gsm, orfrom about 5 gsm to about 75 gsm, or from about 5 gsm to about 50 gsm,or from about 5 gsm to about 25 gsm, or from about 7 gsm to about 20gsm, or from about 10 gsm to about 15 gsm.

In certain embodiments, the fiber types in the first layer, the secondlayer, and (if present) the third layer can be selected to create adirectional density gradient through the nonwoven material in order toestablish a specific pore and channel network within the nonwovenmaterial.

In certain embodiments, one or more layers can contain fine fibers,which can create high capillary tension within the layer. Thus, suchfine fibers can substitute for SAP or other absorbent materials and canassist with the distribution of liquid within the layers. Examples ofsuch fine fibers are provided in Table 1, above. In particularembodiments, one or more layers can include eucalyptus fibers (such aseucalyptus pulp or SUZANO, untreated). If present, fine fibers can beused in a particular layer in an amount of from about 0 wt-% to about100 wt-%, or from about 0 wt-% to about 50 wt-%, or from about 50 wt-%to about 100 wt-%, or from about 70 wt-% to about 90 wt-%, or from about70 wt-% to about 85 wt-%.

In additional embodiments, the nonwoven material can include at leastthree layers, of which at least the intermediate layer contains highcore bicomponent fibers. For example, the intermediate layer can containonly high core bicomponent fibers, or can further include one or moreadditional types of fibers, such as other synthetic fibers and/orcellulose fibers. In particular embodiments, the intermediate layer cancontain cellulose fibers, such as cellulose fluff and/or eucalyptuspulp. In such embodiments, the intermediate layer can comprise fromabout 5 wt-% to about 100 wt-%, or from about 5 wt-% to about 75 wt-%,or from about 10 wt-% to about 50 wt-%, or from about 15 wt-% to about40 wt-%, or from about 20 wt-% to about 35 wt-%, or from about 25 wt-%to about 30 wt-% high core bicomponent fibers and from about 0 wt-% toabout 95 wt-%, or from about 25 wt-% to about 95 wt-%, or from about 50wt-% to about 90 wt-%, or from about 60 wt-% to about 85 wt-%, or fromabout 65 wt-% to about 80 wt-%, or from about 70 wt-% to about 75 wt-%cellulose fibers. The intermediate layer can additionally include otherfibers such as other types of synthetic fibers. The intermediate layercan have a basis weight of from about 5 gsm to about 200 gsm, or fromabout 10 gsm to about 200 gsm, or from about 30 gsm to about 200 gsm, orfrom about 50 gsm to about 150 gsm, or from about 60 gsm to about 130gsm, or from about 70 gsm to about 120 gsm, or from about 75 gsm toabout 110 gsm.

As embodied herein, the layers adjacent to the intermediate layer cancomprise any suitable fiber type, including synthetic and/or cellulosefibers. For example, the first layer, adjacent to the intermediatelayer, can comprise a second type of synthetic fibers that need not behigh core or low core bicomponent fibers, and can instead bemonocomponent fibers or conventional bicomponent fibers having a 1:1core to sheath ratio and can be formed of any suitable material, asknown in the art. For example, the second bicomponent fibers can beformed from the same or different material as the high core bicomponentfibers. For example, in certain embodiments, both the second bicomponentfibers in the first layer can comprise a PET core or a polypropylenecore and a polyethylene sheath. Additionally or alternatively, incertain embodiments, the high core bicomponent fibers of theintermediate layer can be concentric whereas the bicomponent fibers ofthe first layer can be eccentric.

The second layer, which is also adjacent to the intermediate layer andon the opposite side from the first layer, can also include any suitablefiber type, including synthetic and/or cellulose fibers. In particularembodiments, the second layer can comprise cellulose fibers, for examplecellulose fluff and/or eucalyptus pulp. In certain embodiments, thecellulose fibers can have a Kajaani weighted average length of shorterthan about 3.0 mm and a coarseness of finer than about 15 mg/100 m. Thesecond layer can optionally further include synthetic fibers. In certainembodiments, the second layer can include bicomponent fibers in additionto cellulose fibers. The bicomponent fibers of the second layer can bethe same as or different from the bicomponent fibers of the first layer(if present), and need not be high core bicomponent fibers. In certainembodiments, the bicomponent fibers of the second layer can be low corebicomponent fibers. In particular embodiments, the intermediate layercan include high core bicomponent fibers and the first layer and secondlayer can include low core bicomponent fibers and eucalyptus fibers. Insuch an embodiment, each layer can additionally include differentcellulose fibers than eucalyptus fibers. A binder can be disposed on atleast an outer surface of the nonwoven material. In particularembodiments, the binder can be disposed on both outer surfaces of thenonwoven material.

Overall, the second layer can have a basis weight of from about 5 gsm toabout 100 gsm, or from about 10 gsm to about 100 gsm, or from about 30gsm to about 100 gsm, or from about 40 gsm to about 90 gsm, or fromabout 50 gsm to about 80 gsm, or from about 60 gsm to about 70 gsm. Incertain embodiments, the second layer can be heavier than the firstlayer and/or the third layer (if present). In alternative embodiments,the first layer can be heavier than the second layer. When the firstlayer includes a blend of bicomponent fibers and cellulose fibers, thebicomponent fibers can be present in an amount of from about 5 wt-% toabout 100 wt-%, or from about 5 wt-% to about 75 wt-%, or from about 5wt-% to about 50 wt-%, or from about 5 wt-% to about 25 wt-%, or fromabout 10 wt-% to about 15 wt-% and the cellulose fibers can be presentin an amount of from about 0 wt-% to about 95 wt-%, or from about 25wt-% to about 95 wt-%, or from about 50 wt-% to about 95 wt-%, or fromabout 75 wt-% to about 95 wt-%, or of from about 85 wt-% to about 90wt-%. In additional embodiments, the nonwoven materials can be patternedon at least one outer surface to create a three-dimensional topography.In certain embodiments, the nonwoven material can be patterned on atleast one surface. In particular embodiments, the nonwoven material canbe patterned on two or more surfaces. For example, and not by way oflimitation, the nonwoven materials can include a pattern ofindentations. As embodied herein, the nonwoven materials can include apattern of indentations formed in a striped pattern, e.g., as ridges andvalleys. In certain embodiments, the nonwoven material can be patternedin the cross-machine direction. For example, and not by way oflimitation, the ridges can run in the cross-machine direction (CD). Inparticular embodiments, the ridges can run in the machine direction(MD). In certain embodiments, the ridges can have a basis weight of fromabout 10 gsm to about 50 gsm, about 20 gsm to about 50 gsm, about 35 gsmto about 45 gsm, or about 30 gsm to about 40 gsm. In certainembodiments, the valleys can have a basis weight of from about 5 gsm toabout 50 gsm, about 5 gsm to about 15 gsm, about 5 gsm to about 12 gsm,or about 5 gsm to about 10 gsm. In certain embodiments, the ridges andvalleys can have different basis weights. In particular embodiments, theridges can have a higher basis weight than a basis weight of thevalleys. For example, and not by limitation, the ridges can have a basisweight of about 37 gsm and the valleys can have a basis weight of about12 gsm. Thus, in certain embodiments, the pattern can include areas ofalternating high and low basis weights (e.g., “ridges” and “valleys”).The ridges can have a caliper of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm or about0.8 mm to about 1.2 mm and a machine-directional (“MD”) width of about2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm or about 2.0 mm to about 2.8 mm. The valleys canhave a caliper of about 0.8 mm to about 1.5 mm or about 0.8 mm to about1.2 mm and a MD width of about 0.8 mm to about 1.5 mm or about 1.0 mm toabout 1.5 mm. In particular embodiments, the ridges can have a caliperof about 1.5 mm and a MD width of about 2.6 mm, and the valleys can havea caliper of about 1.0 mm and a MD width of about 2.6 mm.

In certain embodiments, the patterned nonwoven materials can have aporosity of about 110 cfm/sqft to about 150 cfm/sqft, about 125 cfm/sqftto about 150 cfm/sqft, or about 147 cfm/sqft. In certain embodiments,the patterned nonwoven materials can have a uniform density. Thepatterned nonwoven materials can have a bending length of about 20 mm toabout 60 mm or about 30 mm to about 50 mm, or about 30 mm to about 35mm. In particular embodiments, the patterned nonwoven materials have abending length of about 31.7 mm or about 51 mm.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the first layer and the secondlayer can be coated on at least of a portion of its outer surface with abinder. If present, the binder can be applied in amounts ranging fromabout 1 gsm to about 30 gsm, or from about 1 gsm to about 20 gsm, orfrom about 1 gsm to about 15 gsm, or from about 2 gsm to about 10 gsm,or from about 2 gsm to about 8 gsm, or from about 3 gsm to about 5 gsm.In particular embodiments, the binder can be applied in amounts of about1 gsm, about 1.36 gsm, about 3 gsm, about 3.8 gsm, or about 5 gsm. Thebinder can optionally be applied as an emulsion further containing asurfactant. The emulsion can include one or more surfactants in anamount of from about 0.5 wt-% to about 1.5 wt-% based on the totalweight of the emulsion. In certain embodiments, the emulsion can includeone or more surfactants in an amount of about 0.8 wt.-% based on thetotal weight of the emulsion. In particular embodiments, binder can beapplied as an emulsion in an amount of about 3.8 gsm with about 0.12 gsmof a surfactant.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the nonwoven material can furtherinclude a layer of SAP. This layer can be an intermediate layer that isdisposed between a layer containing high core bicomponent fibers andanother layer. The layer of SAP can comprise from about 10 gsm to about100 gsm, or from about 10 gsm to about 80 gsm, or from about 10 gsm toabout 70 gsm, or from about 20 gsm to about 60 gsm, or from about 30 gsmto about 50 gsm of SAP, or from about 40 gsm to about 50 gsm. Inparticular embodiments, the layer of SAP can comprise about 35 gsm ofSAP.

In embodiments having both cellulose and bicomponent fibers, the overallnonwoven material can contain from about 5 wt-% to about 100 wt-%, orfrom about 5 wt-% to about 75 wt-%, or from about 10 wt-% to about 50wt-%, or from about 15 wt-% to about 50 wt-%, or from about 20 wt-% toabout 40 wt-%, or from about 25 wt-% to about 35 wt-% bicomponent fibersand from about 0 wt-% to about 95 wt-%, or from about 25 wt-% to about95 wt-%, or from about 50 wt-% to about 90 wt-%, or from about 50 wt-%to about 85 wt-%, or from about 60 wt-% to about 80 wt-%, or from about65 wt-% to about 75 wt-% cellulose fibers.

In certain embodiments, the range of basis weight of the nonwovenmaterial can be from about 45 gsm to about 500 gsm, or from about 50 gsmto about 500 gsm, or from about 50 gsm to about 400 gsm, or from about50 gsm to about 300 gsm, or from about 50 gsm to about 250 gsm, or fromabout 100 gsm to about 500 gsm, or from about 200 gsm to about 400 gsm,or from about 200 gsm to about 300 gsm. In particular embodiments, thebasis weight of the nonwoven material can be about 45 gsm, about 49 gsm,about 50 gsm, about 52 gsm, about 53 gsm, about 54 gsm, or about 57 gsm.The caliper of the nonwoven material, inclusive of all layers, can befrom about 0.1 mm to about 8.0 mm, or from about 0.1 mm to about 7.5 mm,or from about 0.5 mm to about 6.0 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to about 4.0mm, or from about 1.0 mm to about 4.0 mm, or from about 1.0 mm to about3.5 mm. In particular embodiments, the caliper of the nonwoven material,inclusive of all layers, can be about 1.15 mm, about 1.16 mm, about 1.18mm, about 1.54 mm, about 1.49 mm, about 1.59 mm, about 1.7 mm, about1.32 mm, about 1.36 mm, or about 1.42 mm.

Methods of Making the Nonwoven Material

A variety of processes can be used to assemble the materials used in thepractice of this disclosed subject matter to produce the materials,including but not limited to, traditional dry forming processes such asairlaying and carding or other forming technologies such as spunlace orairlace. Preferably, the materials can be prepared by airlaid processes.Airlaid processes include, but are not limited to, the use of one ormore forming heads to deposit raw materials of differing compositions inselected order in the manufacturing process to produce a product withdistinct strata. This allows great versatility in the variety ofproducts which can be produced.

In one embodiment, the material is prepared as a continuous airlaid web.The airlaid web is typically prepared by disintegrating or defiberizinga cellulose pulp sheet or sheets, typically by hammermill, to provideindividualized fibers. Rather than a pulp sheet of virgin fiber, thehammermills or other disintegrators can be fed with recycled airlaidedge trimmings and off-specification transitional material producedduring grade changes and other airlaid production waste. Being able tothereby recycle production waste would contribute to improved economicsfor the overall process. The individualized fibers from whicheversource, virgin or recycled, are then air conveyed to forming heads onthe airlaid web-forming machine. A number of manufacturers make airlaidweb forming machines suitable for use in the disclosed subject matter,including Dan-Web Forming of Aarhus, Denmark, M&J Fibretech A/S ofHorsens, Denmark, Rando Machine Corporation, Macedon, N.Y. which isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,972,092, Margasa Textile Machinery ofCerdanyola del Valles, Spain, and DOA International of Weis, Austria.While these many forming machines differ in how the fiber is opened andair-conveyed to the forming wire, they all are capable of producing thewebs of the presently disclosed subject matter. The Dan-Web formingheads include rotating or agitated perforated drums, which serve tomaintain fiber separation until the fibers are pulled by vacuum onto aforaminous forming conveyor or forming wire. In the M&J machine, theforming head is basically a rotary agitator above a screen. The rotaryagitator can comprise a series or cluster of rotating propellers or fanblades. Other fibers, such as a synthetic thermoplastic fiber, areopened, weighed, and mixed in a fiber dosing system such as a textilefeeder supplied by Laroche S. A. of Cours-La Ville, France. From thetextile feeder, the fibers are air conveyed to the forming heads of theairlaid machine where they are further mixed with the comminutedcellulose pulp fibers from the hammer mills and deposited on thecontinuously moving forming wire. Where defined layers are desired,separate forming heads can be used for each type of fiber. Alternativelyor additionally, one or more layers can be prefabricated prior to beingcombined with additional layers, if any. In certain embodiments, theforming wire can be patterned, such that at least one layer of theresulting nonwoven material is patterned.

The airlaid web is transferred from the forming wire to a calendar orother densification stage to densify the web, if necessary, to increaseits strength and control web thickness. In one embodiment, the fibers ofthe web are then bonded by passage through an oven set to a temperaturehigh enough to fuse the included thermoplastic or other bindermaterials. In a further embodiment, secondary binding from the drying orcuring of a latex spray or foam application occurs in the same oven. Theoven can be a conventional through-air oven, be operated as a convectionoven, or can achieve the necessary heating by infrared or even microwaveirradiation. In particular embodiments, the airlaid web can be treatedwith additional additives before or after heat curing. The airlaid webcan optionally be embossed or otherwise patterned. Subsequently, theairlaid web can be rolled into bale on a roller. The average rolldensity can be in a range of from about 100 kg/m³ to about 140 kg/m³ orfrom about 110 kg/m³ to about 125 kg/m³, or about 113 kg/m³ prior towinding and about 122 kg/m³ after winding. In particular embodiments,the roll density can be about 110 kg/m³. The caliper of the nonwovenmaterial inclusive of all layers, after winding onto a roll, can beabout 1 mm, about 1.01 mm, or about 0.99 mm.

Applications and Features of the Nonwoven Material

The nonwoven materials of the disclosed subject matter can be used forany application as known in the art. The nonwoven materials can be usedalone or as a component in other consumer products. For example, thenonwoven materials can be used either alone or as a component in avariety of absorbent articles, including cleaning articles, personalcare wipes, baby diapers, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkinsand the like. Absorbent cleaning products include wipes, sheets, towels,and the like. The absorbency of the nonwoven materials can aid in dirtand mess removal in such cleaning applications.

The use of high core bicomponent fibers can improve the resiliency ofthe resulting nonwoven material. Without being bound to a particulartheory, it is believed that the resiliency is imparted by the core ofthe bicomponent fibers, which remains intact even when the sheath hasmelted to facilitate fiber to fiber bonding. At the same time, thebonding from the melted sheath can provide tensile strength to thenonwoven material. The improved resiliency can be obtained in bothunembossed and embossed nonwoven materials, and the high corebicomponent fibers can also improve resistance to compaction during thenonwoven embossing process.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to nonwoven materialshaving improved performance as a wet wipe, e.g., when treated withlotion. The presence of liquid in the nonwoven material can cause pulpfibers to absorb liquid and the wetting of the pulp fibers, typicallyfrom about 65 wt-% to about 85 wt-% of the nonwoven material, cansaturate the fibers and lower the resistance of the wet nonwovenmaterial to tension and compression. The use of high core bicomponentfibers in the nonwoven materials can protect the structures against wetcollapse when subjected to this tension and/or compression, e.g., forcesthat are typically encountered during the converting of wet wipes.

In certain other aspects, the present disclosure relates to nonwovenmaterials with improved liquid acquisition and retention. Such materialscan be used as an absorbent hygiene product component in baby diapers,adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins and the like. For example,International Patent Publication No. WO2016/115181A1, the contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, describesmulti-layer nonwoven acquisition materials having high liquidacquisition speed and low rewet. The nonwoven materials of the presentdisclosure have new compositions and structures that are suitable foruse in acquisition materials having improved absorbency performance. Insuch embodiments, the nonwoven material can be used in combination withan adsorbent core in an absorbent product.

Additionally, in certain aspects, the present disclosure provides amulti-layer nonwoven material having a 3D cross-sectional profile, whichcan create a pattern of indentations in the form of channels, dimples,holes, dashed lines, etc. Thus, the 3D structural profile can beperpendicular to the surface of the nonwoven material and can facilitatethe transfer of the liquid through the nonwoven material, e.g., to anabsorbent core. Additionally, absorbent structures having particular 3Dprofiles are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,562,742, the contents of whichare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. For example,liquid can travel more easily through the indentations, in which thecaliper and basis weight of the nonwoven material are lower than theaverage caliper and basis weight of the nonwoven material. Preferably,these indentations are located on the surface of the liquid intakenonwoven which is closer to the surface of the core component of theabsorbent system.

As embodied herein, a pattern of indentations can be formed in a stripedpattern, e.g., as ridges and valleys. For example, and not limitation,the striped pattern can be formed in an airlaid process using a ridgedforming wire. Additionally or alternatively, a pattern of indentationscan be formed by applying heat and/or pressure in an embossing process.The method of forming the indentations can be selected based on thedesired densification of the nonwoven material. For example, the use ofa ridged forming wire can result in an even fiber density within thematerial such that the resulting ridges and valleys have the samedensities, but different basis weights. The pattern of differentialbasis weights can impart unique properties to the nonwoven material,unlike a material having a uniform basis weight throughout. For example,due to the surface topography of the forming wire, the side of thenonwoven material formed nearest the wire can have a ridged surface,with the ridges running in the cross-machine-direction (“CD”), thusproviding areas of alternating high and low basis weight (“ridges” and“valleys”) in the machine direction (“MD”). For example, such nonwovenmaterials were found to have machine-direction (MD) and cross-direction(CD) tensile strengths being substantially similar, as lower basisweight valleys running in the cross-direction (CD) can reducemachine-direction (MD) tensile strengths. In contrast, materials with auniform basis weight can have a higher machine-direction (MD) tensilestrength as compared to cross-direction (CD) tensile strength due tomachine-direction (MD) fiber orientation. In certain embodiments, thenonwoven material can be patterned on at least one surface. Inparticular embodiments, the nonwoven material can be patterned on two ormore surfaces. In contrast, embossing can result in a greater fiberdensity in the embossed areas. In certain embodiments, multiple types ofpatterns can be formed, e.g., by using a ridged forming wire during theairlaid process, followed by an embossing step. For example, inparticular embodiments, a striped pattern can be overlaid with anembossed, decorative pattern, for example, an oval-shaped design or aheart-shaped design. In such embodiments, the embossed areas can bedensified (i.e., having a higher density, but the same basis weight assurrounding areas) whereas the areas formed by the ridged forming wirecan be thinner (i.e., having the same density, but a lower basis weightas surrounding areas).

In certain other aspects, the present disclosure relates to unitary,multifunctional nonwoven materials that have liquid acquisition,retention, and storage functions and that can be used in baby diapers,adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins and the like. Thesematerials can have improved liquid intake speed, improved rewet, highliquid retention, and high liquid distribution performance. For example,in such structures a layer comprising cellulose fibers can be disposedfurthest from the body of the wearer, causing the material to have highliquid distribution performance and retaining a high amount of liquidbefore any leakage occurs, whether or not the nonwoven material containsSAP. The opposite layer, closest to the body of the wearer, can containsynthetic fibers.

The presently disclosed nonwoven materials can have improved mechanicalproperties. For example, the nonwoven materials can be incorporated intoa wipe, e.g., a wipe that is wetted with a lotion. The nonwovenmaterials can have a cross-direction wet tensile strength of greaterthan about 100 gli, or greater than about 250 gli, or greater than about300 gli, or greater than about 400 gli, or greater than about 430 gli,or greater than about 500 gli, or from about 100 gli to about 1500 gli,or from about 200 gli to about 1000 gli, or from about 300 gli to about800 gli, or from about 400 gli to about 600 gli, or from about 430 glito about 550 gli. In particular embodiments, the nonwoven materials canhave a cross-direction wet tensile strength of about 300 gli, about 305gli, about 315 gli, about 330 gli, about 420 gli, about 440 gli, orabout 515 gli. The nonwoven materials can have a machine-direction wettensile strength of greater than about 100 gli, or greater than about200 gli, or greater than about 240 gli, or greater than about 300 gli,or greater than about 350 gli, or from about 100 gli to about 1500 gli,or from about 100 gli to about 1000 gli, or from about 200 gli to about500 gli, or from about 240 gli to about 450 gli. In particularembodiments, the nonwoven materials can have a machine-direction wettensile strength of about 425 gli, about 430 gli, about 435 gli, orabout 475 gli. The nonwoven materials can have a cross-direction drytensile strength of greater than about 100 gli, or greater than about200 gli, or greater than about 240 gli, or greater than about 300 gli,or greater than about 350 gli, or from about 100 gli to about 1500 gli,or from about 100 gli to about 1000 gli, or from about 200 gli to about700 gli, or from about 240 gli to about 700 gli. In particularembodiments, the nonwoven materials can have a cross-direction drytensile strength of about 515 gli, about 550 gli, about 560 gli, orabout 675 gli. The nonwoven materials can have a machine-direction drytensile strength of greater than about 100 gli, or greater than about200 gli, or greater than about 300 gli, or greater than about 400 gli,or greater than about 500 gli, or greater than about 600 gli, or greaterthan about 650 gli, or greater than about 690 gli, or greater than about750 gli, or greater than about 800 gli, or greater than about 840 gli,or from about 100 gli to about 1500 gli, or from about 300 gli to about1000 gli, or from about 650 gli to about 900 gli, or from about 690 glito about 870 gli. In particular embodiments, the nonwoven materials canhave a machine-direction dry tensile strength of about 550 gli, about560 gli, about 665 gli, about 695 gli, about 700 gli, about 710 gli,about 770 gli, or about 840 gli. Additionally, the nonwoven materialscan have a cross-direction wet elongation at peak load of greater thanabout 10%, or greater than about 15%, or greater than about 17%, orgreater than about 20%, or from about 10% to about 40%, or from about10% to about 30%, or from about 15% to about 30%, or from about 15% toabout 25%. In particular embodiments, the nonwoven materials can have across-direction wet elongation at peak load of about 17.5%, about 20%,about 21%, about 30%, about 32%, about 34%, about 36%, or about 38%. Thenonwoven materials can have a machine-direction wet elongation peak loadof greater than about 10%, or greater than about 15%, or greater thanabout 17%, or greater than about 20%, or from about 10% to about 40%, orfrom about 15% to about 35%, or from about 20% to about 30%. Inparticular embodiments, the nonwoven materials can have amachine-direction wet elongation peak load of about 20%, about 21%,about 22%, about 25%, or about 30%. The nonwoven materials can have across-direction dry elongation peak load of greater than about 5%, orgreater than about 8%, or greater than about 10%, or greater than about15%, or greater than about 20%, or greater than about 30%, or from about5% to about 45%, or from about 10% to about 40%, or from about 35% toabout 40%. In particular embodiments, the nonwoven materials can have across-direction dry elongation peak load of about 30%, about 35%, about37%, or about 40%. The nonwoven materials can have a machine-directiondry elongation at peak load of greater than about 5%, or greater thanabout 8%, or greater than about 10%, or greater than about 12%, or fromabout 5% to about 35%, or from about 5% to about 20%, or from about 8%to about 20%, or from about 10% to about 15%. In particular embodiments,the nonwoven materials can have a machine-direction dry elongation atpeak load of about 10%, about 11%, about 13%, about 21%, about 23%,about 25%, about 27%, about 30%, or about 31%.

Additionally, the presently disclosed nonwoven materials can haveimproved fluid acquisition characteristics. A person having ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the absorbency characteristics ofa nonwoven material can vary. For example, the observed absorbencycharacteristics can vary based on the amount of fluid and the surfacearea of the nonwoven material. Additionally, when the nonwoven materialscontain an absorbent core (either as a separate component or within aunitary, multifunctional structure), the materials can have improvedfluid acquisition characteristics and can quickly absorb a fluid. Incertain embodiments, a nonwoven material as described above can absorb afluid in less than about 60 seconds, less than about 45 seconds, or lessthan about 30 seconds even with repeated (e.g., 2, 3, or more) insults.The time it takes for a material to absorb a fluid can be called an“acquisition time.” For example, and not limitation, the acquisitiontime can be measured using the procedures described in Example 4, below.

Furthermore, the presently disclosed nonwoven materials can haveimproved dryness characteristics, indicating improved fluid retention.For example, after absorbing a fluid, the nonwoven materials can bepressed to measure the amount of fluid released. In certain embodiments,a rewet test can be used to press the nonwoven material and measure thereleased fluid, as described in Example 4, below. In certainembodiments, less than about 1 g, less than about 0.5 g, or less thanabout 0.1 g of fluid is released.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are merely illustrative of the presentlydisclosed subject matter and they should not be considered as limitingthe scope of the subject matter in any way.

Example 1: Wet Wipe with Improved Resiliency and Folded Stack Height

The present Example provides for a multi-layer nonwoven substrate thatcan be used in a wet wipe and have improved resiliency under tension andcompression and improved folded stack height in final form.

In this Example, a multi-layer nonwoven TBAL substrate was formed usinga full-scale former. The substrate contained high core bicomponentfibers having a core to sheath ratio of 7:3 and a dtex of 1.7, as wellas additional bicomponent fibers having a core to sheath ratio of 3:7.The substrate further contained GP 4725 cellulose pulp. The compositionof the substrate is shown in Table 2, below. The substrate was formed asa sheet and wound into a roll at a winder tension of 90 to 95 N/m with atarget roll density of 110 kg/m³. The target caliper of the sheet priorto winding was 1.15 mm or higher, and the sheet was embossed prior towinding. The target basis weight for the sheet was 50 gsm.

TABLE 2 Composition Layer 1 16.4 gsm GP 4725 7.8 gsm PE/PET bicomponentfibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5 dtex) Layer 2 9.6 gsm GP 4725 3.9 gsmPE/PET bicomponent fibers (7:3 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.7 dtex) Layer 3 4.1gsm GP 4725 1.9 gsm PE/PET bicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6 mm,1.5 dtex) Layer 4 4.1 gsm GP 4725 1.9 gsm PE/PET bicomponent fibers (3:7core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5 dtex)

Prior to winding the sheets, several measurements were taking of thecaliper, basis weight, and tensile strength of the substrates across sixsamples. Table 3, below, presents the average initial caliper, basisweight, cross-direction wet tensile strength, cross-direction wetelongation, machine-direction dry tensile strength, andmachine-direction dry elongation for the six samples, along with theaverage caliper after winding for the six samples.

TABLE 3 Average (6 samples) Caliper (initial) 1.18 mm Basis Weight 51.99gsm CD Wet Tensile 438.78 gli CD Wet Elongation 17.54% MD Dry Tensile695.54 gli MD Dry Elongation 10.97% Caliper (after winding) 0.99 mm

Subsequently, 21 additional samples were prepared and tested, using thesame composition and procedures. Similarly, the average initial caliper,basis weight, cross-direction wet tensile strength, cross-direction wetelongation, machine-direction dry tensile strength, andmachine-direction dry elongation for the 21 samples prior to winding,along with the average caliper after winding were measured and arepresented in Table 4, below.

TABLE 4 Average (21 samples) Caliper (initial) 1.15 mm Basis Weight52.15 gsm CD Wet Tensile 516.17 gli CD Wet Elongation 21.73% MD DryTensile 842.83 gli MD Dry Elongation 13.18% Caliper (after winding) 1.01mm

Taking the samples from Tables 2 and 3 together, the overall averagecaliper was 1.16 mm at the reel (i.e., prior to winding) and 1.01 mmafter winding. The average roll density was approximately 113 kg/m3prior to winding and 122 kg/m³ after winding.

Example 2: Pilot Scale Testing of Wet Wipes Having Improved Resiliency

This Example compares the caliper of wet wipes including high corebicomponent fibers with that of wet wipes having other bicomponentfibers.

Airlaid nonwoven samples were prepared, each having a total basis weightof 49.5 gsm with 3 layers of different fiber mixtures. Each sampleincluded 30 wt-% bicomponent fibers and 70 wt-% cellulose fibers. Thebicomponent fibers had a polyethylene sheath and a polyethyleneterephthalate) (PET) core, with a dtex of 1.5 or 1.7 dtex and a lengthof 6 mm. The bicomponent fibers had a core to sheath ratio of either 3:7or 7:3. The cellulose fibers were GP 4725 pulp. All samples wereheat-cured at 138° C.

The compositions of Samples 2A-2C are provided in Table 5. Sample 2A wasconstructed with outer layers containing 75% of bicomponent fibershaving a core to sheath ratio of 3:7 and 25% high core bicomponentfibers. A middle layer contained 100% bicomponent fibers having a coreto sheath ratio of 3:7. Sample 2B was constructed with outer layerscontaining 50% of bicomponent fibers having a core to sheath ratio of3:7 and 50% of high core bicomponent fibers. A middle layer contained100% bicomponent fibers having a core to sheath ratio of 3:7. Sample 2Cwas constructed nearly identically to Sample 2A, with outer layerscontaining 75% of bicomponent fibers having a core to sheath ratio of3:7 and 25% high core bicomponent fibers and a middle layer containing100% bicomponent fibers having a core to sheath ratio of 3:7. However,in Sample 2C, the high core bicomponent fibers had a PE sheath polymerwith a High Melt Flow (“HMF”) to promote enhanced bonding of the sheathmaterial.

TABLE 5 Sample 1 2.1 gsm PE/PET bicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6mm, 1.5 dtex) 2A 6.3 gsm PE/PET bicomponent fibers (7:3 core:sheath, 6mm, 1.7 dtex) 16.6 gsm GP 4725 2 2.6 gsm PE/PET bicomponent fibers (3:7core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5 dtex) 9.4 gsm GP 4725 3 1.0 gsm PE/PETbicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5 dtex 3.0 gsm PE/PETbicomponent fibers (7:3 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.7 dtex) 8.5 gsm GP 4725Sample 1 4.2 gsm PE/PET bicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5dtex) 2B 4.2 gsm PE/PET bicomponent fibers (7:3 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.7dtex) 16.6 gsm GP 4725 2 2.6 gsm PE/PET bicomponent fibers (3:7core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5 dtex) 9.4 gsm GP 4725 3 2.0 gsm PE/PETbicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5 dtex 2.0 gsm PE/PETbicomponent fibers (7:3 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.7 dtex) 8.5 gsm GP 4725Sample 1 2.1 gsm PE/PET bicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5dtex) 2C 6.3 gsm PE/PET bicomponent fibers, HMF (7:3 core:sheath, 6 mm,1.7 dtex) 16.6 gsm GP 4725 2 2.6 gsm PE/PET bicomponent fibers (3:7core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5 dtex) 9.4 gsm GP 4725 3 1.0 gsm PE/PETbicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5 dtex 3.0 gsm PE/PETbicomponent fibers, HMF (7:3 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.7 dtex) 8.5 gsm GP4725

The dry caliper of each sample was measured and are provided in Table 6.The increase in caliper of Sample 2A as compared to Sample 2B was 3.4%.In comparison, there was an increase of 6.7% between Sample 2C andSample 2B. These improved calipers of Samples 2A and 2C are due to theincreased content of bicomponent fibers having core to sheath ratios of7:3, which thus have cores of larger cross-section, which impartincreased caliper development versus the low core bicomponent fiber.

TABLE 6 Caliper (mm) % Increase Sample 2A 1.54 3.4% Sample 2B 1.49 —Sample 2C 1.59 6.7%

Example 3: Stack Height of Wet Wipes Having High Core Bicomponent Fibers

This Example compares the stack height of wet wipes including high corebicomponent fibers with that of wet wipes having other bicomponentfibers.

Airlaid nonwoven samples were prepared, each having a total basis weightof 50 gsm with 3 layers of different fiber mixtures, according to Table7, below. Each sample included 30 wt-% bicomponent fibers and 70 wt-%cellulose fibers. The high core bicomponent fibers had a polyethylenesheath and either a polyethylene terephthalate) (PET) or a polypropylene(PP) core, with a dtex of 1.7 dtex and a length of 6 mm and a core tosheath ratio of 7:3. The low core bicomponent fibers had a polyethylenesheath and PET core, also with a dtex of 1.5 dtex and a length of 6 mm,and a core to sheath ratio of 3:7. Additional bicomponent fibers had acore to sheath ratio of 1:1, with a polyethylene sheath, PET core, dtexof 1.7 dtex, and a length of 6 mm. The cellulose fibers were GP 4725pulp.

TABLE 7 Basis Weight Layer Composition (Relative) Control 1 PE/PETbicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5 dtex) 25 gsm GP 4725(Heavy) 2 PE/PET bicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5 dtex)11.8 gsm GP 4725 (Thin) 3 PE/PET bicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6mm, 1.5 dtex) 12.5 gsm GP 4725 (Thin) Sample 1 PE/PP bicomponent fibers(7:3 core:sheath; 6 mm, 1.7 dtex) 25 gsm 3A GP 4725 (Heavy) 2 PE/PPbicomponent fibers (7:3 core:sheath; 6 mm, 1.7 dtex) 11.8 gsm GP 4725(Thin) 3 PE/PP bicomponent fibers (7:3 core:sheath; 6 mm, 1.7 dtex) 12.5gsm GP 4725 (Thin) Sample 1 PE/PET bicomponent fibers (1:1 core:sheath,6 mm, 1.7 dtex) 25 gsm 3B GP 4725 (Heavy) 2 PE/PET bicomponent fibers(1:1 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.7 dtex) 11.8 gsm GP 4725 (Thin) 3 PE/PETbicomponent fibers (1:1 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.7 dtex) 12.5 gsm GP 4725(Thin) Sample 1 PE/PET bicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5dtex) 25 gsm 3C GP 4725 (Heavy) 2 PE/PET bicomponent fibers (7:3core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.7 dtex) 11.8 gsm GP 4725 (Thin) 3 PE/PETbicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5 dtex) 12.5 gsm GP 4725(Thin) Sample 1 PE/PET bicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5dtex) 12.5 gsm 3D GP 4725 (Thin) 2 PE/PET bicomponent fibers (7:3core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.7 dtex) 25 gsm GP 4725 (Heavy) 3 PE/PET bicomponentfibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5 dtex) 12.5 gsm GP 4725 (Thin) Sample1 PE/PET bicomponent fibers (7:3 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.7 dtex) 25 gsm 3EGP 4725 (Heavy) 2 PE/PET bicomponent fibers (7:3 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.7dtex) 11.8 gsm GP 4725 (Thin) 3 PE/PET bicomponent fibers (7:3core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.7 dtex) 12.5 gsm GP 4725 (Thin)

The stack height of the 6 samples was measured and compared to the stackheight of the control material having low core bicomponent fibers (i.e.,having a core to sheath ratio of 3:7). The samples were cut into thirty(30) sheets measuring 6.8 in.×7.5 in. The sheets were folded andstacked. The pieces were sprayed with an aqueous personal wipe lotionwith the add-on rate of the lotion being 3.05 times the weight of thewipes substrate. The substrates were then “C” folded together with thecenter overlap area of the wipes being 100-105 mm wide. The 30 foldedand stacked wipes were then placed in a topless and bottomless Plexiglasbox with inside dimensions of 112 mm×182 mm. A 1795 gram block (110mm×180 mm×100 mm h outside dimensions) was placed on top of the wipesinside the box. After 1 hour, the height of the four corners of thestack of wipes was measured. Then, the block and box were removed fromthe wipes. After 30 minutes of rest, the four corner heights were thenmeasured again. The corner measurements were averaged and comparedagainst the control.

The stack heights of each sample and the control under pressure arepresented in FIG. 1 . This post-compression stack height of a wettedsample indicates the wet resilience of the sample, which is a criticalparameter for wet wipes in converting, packaging, and customerpreference. The samples containing a blend of high core bicomponentfibers with a core to sheath ratio of 7:3 were found to have higherstack heights, especially when combined with additional bicomponentfibers having a core to sheath ratio of 3:7 (e.g., Samples 3C and 3D).Thus, the addition of high core bicomponent fibers can improve theresiliency and recovery of nonwoven thickness. By comparison, the PE/PETbicomponent fibers having a core to sheath ratio of 1:1 did not improvethe stack height of the material (see Sample 3B). This improvement isfurther illustrated in FIG. 2 , which shows the percentage increase instack height for each of the samples as compared to the controlmaterial. Samples 3C and 3D, which contained bicomponent fibers with twodifferent core to sheath ratios—7:3 and 3:7—in different configurationshad significantly improved stack height as compared to the control, andSamples 3 A and 3E, which contained only high core bicomponent fibers(either with polypropylene or PET cores) having a core to sheath ratioof 7:3, also had improved stack high as compared to the control.

Additionally, the machine-direction wet tensile strength of each samplewas measured and compared to that of the control, as shown in FIG. 3 .In general, reducing the amount of polyethylene in the bicomponentfibers reduced the strength of the resulting material, and therefore,the samples containing the high core bicomponent fibers were found tohave reduced tensile strength. Regardless, these materials, especiallySamples 3C and 3D, were found to have sufficient tensile strength forincorporation into a nonwoven wipe material.

Example 4: Three-Layer Acquisition Material

In this Example, three samples each having three layers were prepared totest the effect of high core bicomponent fibers on liquid acquisition.Sample 4A was prepared without high core bicomponent fibers, whereasSamples 4B and 4C contained high core bicomponent fibers. Sample 4A wasa two-sided nonwoven airlaid material and was formed using a pilotdrum-forming machine. The top layer of Sample 4A was composed of 24 gsmof eccentric bicomponent fibers having a PET core and a polyethylenesheath (FiberVisions, 5.7 dtex, 6 mm, PE/PET). The middle layer wascomposed of 12.8 gsm of eccentric bicomponent fibers having apolypropylene core and a polyethylene sheath (FiberVisions, 3.3 dtex, 4mm, PE/PP). The bottom layer was composed of 11.3 gsm of concentricbicomponent fibers having a PET core and a polyethylene sheath and acore to sheath ratio of 3:7 (TREVIRA, Type 255, 1.5 dtex, 6 mm) mixedwith 23.3 gsm of cellulose (GP-4723, fully-treated pulp from GPCellulose), which was bonded with 3.8 gsm of polymeric binder in theform of an emulsion (VINNAPAS 192, WACKER) and 0.12 gsm of a surfactant(AEROSOL OT 75, Cytec Industries).

Sample 4B was also formed using a pilot drum-forming machine, and hadthe same composition as Sample 4A in its top and middle layers. However,the bottom layer of Sample 4B was composed of 11.3 gsm of high coreconcentric bicomponent fibers having a PET core and a polyethylenesheath and a core to sheath ratio of 7:3 (TREVIRA, Type 255, 1.7 dtex, 6mm) mixed with 23.3 gsm of cellulose (GP-4723, fully-treated pulp fromGP Cellulose), which was bonded with a 3.8 gsm of polymeric binder inthe form of an emulsion (VINNAPAS 192, WACKER) and 0.12 gsm of asurfactant (AEROSOL OT 75, Cytec Industries).

Sample 4C was likewise formed using a pilot drum-forming machine. Sample4C included a top layer having the same composition as those of Samples4A and 4B. Sample 4C further included a bottom layer having the samecomposition as that of Sample 4B. The middle layer of Sample 4C wascomposed of 12.8 gsm of eccentric bicomponent fibers (FiberVisions, 5.7dtex, 6 mm, PE/PET).

Table 8, below, provides a pictorial description of the compositions ofSamples 4A-4C:

TABLE 8 Layer Composition Sample Top 24 gsm eccentric bico (PE/PET, 5.7dtex, 6 mm) 4A Middle 12.8 gsm eccentric bico (PE/PP, 3.3 dtex, 4 mm)Bottom 23.3 gsm cellulose fluff (GP-4723) 11.3 gsm concentric bico(PE/PET, 1.5 dtex, 6 mm, 30% core) 3.8 gsm Vinnapas 192 Sample Top 24gsm eccentric bico (PE/PET, 5.7 dtex, 6 mm) 4B Middle 12.8 gsm eccentricbico (PE/PP, 3.3 dtex, 4 mm) Bottom 23.3 gsm cellulose fluff (GP-4723)11.3 gsm concentric bico (PE/PET, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm, 70% core) 3.8 gsmVinnapas 192 Sample Top 24 gsm eccentric bico (PE/PET, 5.7 dtex, 6 mm)4C Middle 12.8 gsm eccentric bico (PE/PET, 5.7 dtex, 6 mm) Bottom 23.3gsm cellulose fluff (GP-4723) 11.3 gsm concentric bico (PE/PET, 1.7dtex, 6 mm, 70% core) 3.8 gsm Vinnapas 192

The liquid acquisition characteristics of each sample were evaluated inthe following manner. A commercially available diaper was deconstructed.The original through-air bonded carded web (TABCW) from thedeconstructed diaper was removed and replaced by one of Samples 4A, 4B,and 4C (basis weights=76.4 gsm, 75.0 gsm, and 74.2 gsm, respectively).Then the diaper's nonwoven topsheet was placed back on top of thesample. The diaper was then compressed with 4 bars of pressure via aroller press. The diaper was immediately tested by placing the diaper ontop of a plastic encapsulated foam. A stainless-steel cylinder (with aninside diameter of 5 cm, an outside diameter of 7.2 cm, and weight of324.8 g) was placed about 10 cm from the top of the diaper's frontside.70 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution was poured into the cylinder. AcquisitionTime #1 was measured from the moment the dosing of the liquid beganuntil the liquid was no longer seen inside the stainless-steel cylinder.The stainless-steel cylinder was removed and metal plates (40.5 cm×10cm, total weight of plates=10 kg) were placed on top of the diaper for20 minutes. Acquisition Time #2 was then measured in the followingmanner. The metal plates (40.5 cm×10 cm, total weight of plates=10 kg)were removed. A stainless-steel cylinder (with an inside diameter of 5cm, an outside diameter of 7.2 cm, and weight of 324.8 g) was placedabout 10 cm from the top of the diaper's frontside. 70 mL of 0.9% NaClsolution was poured into the cylinder. Acquisition Time #2 was measuredfrom the moment the dosing of the liquid began until the liquid was nolonger seen inside the stainless-steel cylinder. The stainless-steelcylinder was removed and metal plates (40.5 cm×10 cm, total weight ofplates=10 kg) were placed on top of the diaper for 20 minutes.Afterward, Acquisition Time #3 was measured in the same manner, wherebythe metal plates (40.5 cm×10 cm, total weight of plates=10 kg) wereremoved. A stainless-steel cylinder (with an inside diameter of 5 cm, anoutside diameter of 7.2 cm, and weight of 324.8 g) was placed about 10cm from the top of the diaper's frontside. 70 mL of 0.9% NaCl solutionwas poured into the cylinder. Acquisition Time #3 was measured from themoment the dosing of the liquid began until the liquid was no longerseen inside the stainless-steel cylinder. The stainless-steel cylinderwas removed and metal plates (40.5 cm×10 cm, total weight of plates=10kg) were placed on top of the diaper for 20 minutes. A total of threeacquisition times (#1, #2, and #3) were measured. The averageacquisition times for each sample are provided in FIG. 4 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the diaper with Sample 4A (which did not containany high core bicomponent fibers) obstructed the flow of liquid into thediaper core more so than the diaper with Sample 4B. Because thedifference between Samples 4A and 4B was the composition of the bottomlayer, this result was achieved by the type of bicomponent fibers usedin the bottom layer. Similarly, Sample 4C, which further included adifference in the middle layer, also had improved acquisition times ascompared to Sample 4A. Not being bound by a particular theory, it isbelieved that the bicomponent fibers with higher polyester (PET) corecontent (e.g., Samples 4B and 4C) provide airlaid structures with moreresiliency to collapse, which leads to preservation of the 3-dimensionalstability of the fibrous network during mechanical compression of thediaper. This preservation of the bottom layer's 3-dimensional stabilityof the fibrous network can lead to faster fluid transport into thediaper's core, even with repeated liquid insults.

Example 5: Two-Layer Acquisition Material

In this Example, two samples each having two layers were prepared totest the effect of high core bicomponent fibers on liquid acquisition intextured and non-textured materials.

Sample 5A was a multi-functional, two-sided nonwoven airlaid materialmade using a lab padformer, in which the multi-functional attributes ofacquisition, distribution, and storage are all integrated into oneunitary structure. This nonwoven substrate consisted of a syntheticfiber acquisition layer, directionally layered to allow for acquisitionand rewet, as well as a layer of eucalyptus pulp to provide storage.

The top layer of Sample 5 A was composed of 33.7 gsm of eccentricbicomponent fibers having a PET core and a polyethylene sheath(FiberVisions, ETE857G8, 5.7 dtex, 6 mm, PE/PET). The bottom layer wascomposed of 33.9 gsm of eucalyptus pulp (SUZANO, untreated) mixed with7.4 gsm of high core concentric bicomponent fibers having a PET core anda polyethylene sheath with a core to sheath ratio of 7:3 (TREVIRA, Type255, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm). The composition of Sample 5A is shown in Table 9,below.

TABLE 9 Layer Composition Sample Top 33.7 gsm eccentric bico (PE/PET,5.7 dtex, 6 mm) 5A Bottom 33.9 gsm eucalyptus pulp (Suzano, untreated)7.4 gsm concentric bico (PE/PP, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm, 70% core)

Sample 5B was also a multi-functional, two-sided nonwoven airlaidmaterial made using a lab padformer and having the same structure andcomposition as Sample 5A (see Table 9). However, Sample 5B was producedon a patterned wire, which was inserted inside the lab padformer,resulting in a patterned bottom layer. FIG. 5A is a photograph of the 3D“textured” Sample 5B. FIG. 5B is an illustration of a 2D representationof the pattern of FIG. 5A.

The liquid acquisition characteristics of Samples 5A and 5B wereevaluated in the following manner. A commercially available diaper wasdeconstructed. The original through-air bonded carded web (TABCW) fromthe deconstructed diaper was removed and replaced by one of Samples 5Aand 5B (basis weights=75.0 gsm). Then the diaper's nonwoven topsheet wasplaced back on top of the sample. The diaper was then compressed with 4bars of pressure via a roller press. The diaper was immediately testedby placing the diaper on top of a plastic encapsulated foam. Astainless-steel cylinder (with an inside diameter of 5 cm, an outsidediameter of 7.2 cm, and weight of 324.8 g) was placed about 10 cm fromthe top of the diaper's frontside. 70 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution waspoured into the cylinder. Acquisition Time #1 was measured from themoment the dosing of the liquid began until the liquid was no longerseen inside the stainless-steel cylinder. The stainless-steel cylinderwas removed and metal plates (40.5 cm×10 cm, total weight of plates=10kg) were placed on top of the diaper for 20 minutes. Acquisition Time #2was then measured in the following manner. The metal plates (40.5 cm×10cm, total weight of plates=10 kg) were removed. A stainless-steelcylinder (with an inside diameter of 5 cm, an outside diameter of 7.2cm, and weight of 324.8 g) was placed about 10 cm from the top of thediaper's frontside. 70 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution was poured into thecylinder. Acquisition Time #2 was measured from the moment the dosing ofthe liquid began until the liquid was no longer seen inside thestainless-steel cylinder. The stainless-steel cylinder was removed andmetal plates (40.5 cm×10 cm, total weight of plates=10 kg) were placedon top of the diaper for 20 minutes. Afterward, Acquisition Time #3 wasmeasured in the same manner, whereby the metal plates (40.5 cm×10 cm,total weight of plates=10 kg) were removed. A stainless-steel cylinder(with an inside diameter of 5 cm, an outside diameter of 7.2 cm, andweight of 324.8 g) was placed about 10 cm from the top of the diaper'sfrontside. 70 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution was poured into the cylinder.Acquisition Time #3 was measured from the moment the dosing of theliquid began until the liquid was no longer seen inside thestainless-steel cylinder. The stainless-steel cylinder was removed andmetal plates (40.5 cm×10 cm, total weight of plates=10 kg) were placedon top of the diaper for 20 minutes. A total of three acquisition times(#1, #2, and #3) were measured. The average acquisition times for eachsample are provided in FIG. 6 .

As shown in FIG. 6 , the diaper with the 3D “textured” structure (Sample5B) had improved Acquisition Time #3 (i.e., for the third insult) ascompared to when this 3D profile structure was not included (Sample 5A),suggesting that the use of a textured layer can improve liquidacquisition with repeated insults of liquid.

Example 6: Multi-Layer Unitary Absorbent Nonwoven Material

In this Example, 8 sample multi-layer unitary structures (Samples 6A-6H)having integrated liquid acquisition, distribution, and storagefunctions and some of which contained super absorbent polymer (SAP) werecompared to a control material to observe the effect of high corebicomponent fibers in varying amounts and placements. Each sampleconsisted of a synthetic fiber acquisition layer, directionally layeredto allow for acquisition and rewet, as well as a multi-layer corestructure to provide permanent storage with the use of SAP.

Sample 6A was a multi-layer unitary structure which was formed on aDanweb Airlaid Pilot Plant. 53 gsm of eucalyptus pulp (SUZANO,untreated) was mixed with 7 gsm of bicomponent fibers having a PET coreand a polyethylene sheath (TREVIRA Type 255-1663, 2.2 dtex, 3 mm) anddeposited on the forming wire. Then, 35 gsm of Super Absorbent Polymer(SAP) (Evonik Corporation FAVOR SXM 7900) was laid down on top of thefirst layer. The next layer consisted of 53 gsm of cellulose (GoldenIsles® 4723, fully-treated pulp made by GP Cellulose) blended with 22gsm of bicomponent fibers having a PET core and a polyethylene sheath(TREVIRA Type 255-1661, 2.2 dtex, 6 mm). The top layer was composed of25 gsm eccentric bicomponent fibers having a polypropylene core and apolyethylene sheath (Fibervisions PE/PP, 5.7 dtex, 4 mm). The bottom,eucalyptus layer was also sprayed with a 5 gsm polymeric binder in theform of an emulsion (VINNAPAS 192, WACKER+0.8% AEROSOL OT75 surfactant).The total weight of the structure was calculated to be 200 gsm.

Sample 6B was a multi-layer unitary structure which was formed on aDanweb Airlaid Pilot Plant. 53 gsm of eucalyptus pulp (SUZANO,untreated) was mixed with 7 gsm of bicomponent fibers having a PET coreand a polyethylene sheath (TREVIRA Type 255-1663, 2.2 dtex, 3 mm) anddeposited on the forming wire. Then, 35 gsm of Super Absorbent Polymer(SAP) (Evonik Corporation FAVOR SXM 7900) was laid down on top of thefirst layer. The next layer consisted of 53 gsm of cellulose (GoldenIsles® 4723, fully-treated pulp made by GP Cellulose) blended with 22gsm of bicomponent fibers having a PET core with a polyethylene sheathand a core to sheath ratio of 7:3 (TREVIRA PE/PET 70% core, 1.7 dtex, 6mm). The top layer was composed of 25 gsm of eccentric bicomponentfibers having a PET core and polyethylene sheath (FIBERVISIONS ETE857G8PE/PET, 5.7 dtex, 6 mm). The bottom, eucalyptus layer was also sprayedwith a 5 gsm polymeric binder in the form of an emulsion (VINNAPAS 192,WACKER+0.8% AEROSOL OT75 surfactant). The total weight of the structurewas calculated to be 200 gsm.

Sample 6C was a multi-layer unitary structure which was formed on aDanweb Airlaid Pilot Plant. 53 gsm of eucalyptus pulp (SUZANO,untreated) was mixed with 7 gsm of bicomponent fibers having a PET coreand a polyethylene sheath (TREVIRA Type 255-1663, 2.2 dtex 3 mm) anddeposited on the forming wire. The next layer consisted of 80 gsm ofcellulose (Golden Isles® 4723, fully-treated pulp made by GP Cellulose)blended with 30 gsm of bicomponent fibers having a PET core and apolyethylene sheath (TREVIRA Type 255-1661, 2.2 dtex, 6 mm). The toplayer was composed of 25 gsm of eccentric bicomponent fibers having apolypropylene core and a polyethylene sheath (Fibervisions PE/PP, 5.7dtex, 4 mm). The bottom, eucalyptus layer was also sprayed with a 5 gsmpolymeric binder in the form of an emulsion (VINNAPAS 192, WACKER+0.8%AEROSOL OT75 surfactant). The total weight of the structure wascalculated to be 200 gsm.

Sample 6D was a multi-layer unitary structure which was formed on aDanweb Airlaid Pilot Plant. 53 gsm of eucalyptus pulp (SUZANO,untreated) was mixed with 7 gsm of bicomponent fibers having a PET coreand a polyethylene sheath (TREVIRA Type 255-1663, 2.2 dtex, 3 mm) anddeposited on the forming wire. The next layer consisted of 80 gsm ofcellulose (Golden Isles® 4723, fully-treated pulp made by GP Cellulose)blended with 30 gsm of high core bicomponent fibers having a PET coreand polyethylene sheath with a core to sheath ratio of 7:3 (TREVIRAPE/PET 70% core, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm). The top layer was composed of 25 gsmof eccentric bicomponent fibers (Fibervisions PE/PP, 5.7 dtex, 4 mm).The bottom, eucalyptus layer was also sprayed with a 5 gsm polymericbinder in the form of an emulsion (VINNAPAS 192, WACKER+0.8% AEROSOLOT75 surfactant). The total weight of the structure was calculated to be200 gsm.

Sample 6E was a multi-layer unitary structure which was formed on aDanweb Airlaid Pilot Plant. 53 gsm of eucalyptus pulp (SUZANO,untreated) was mixed with 7 gsm of bicomponent fibers having a PET coreand a polyethylene sheath (TREVIRA Type 255-1663, 2.2 dtex, 3 mm) anddeposited on the forming wire. The next layer consisted of 80 gsm ofcellulose (Golden Isles® 4723, fully-treated pulp made by GP Cellulose)blended with 30 gsm of high core bicomponent fibers having a PET coreand polyethylene sheath with a core to sheath ratio of 7:3 (TREVIRAPE/PET 70% core, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm). The top layer was composed of 25 gsmof eccentric bicomponent fibers having a PET core and a polyethylenesheath (Fibervisions ETE857G8 PE/PET, 5.7 dtex, 6 mm). The bottom,eucalyptus layer was also sprayed with a 5 gsm polymeric binder in theform of an emulsion (VINNAPAS 192, WACKER+0.8% AEROSOL OT75 surfactant).The total weight of the structure was calculated to be 200 gsm.

Sample 6F was a multi-layer unitary structure which was formed on aDanweb Airlaid Pilot Plant. 53 gsm of eucalyptus pulp (SUZANO,untreated) was mixed with 7 gsm of bicomponent fibers having a PET coreand a polyethylene sheath with a core to sheath ratio of 3:7 (TREVIRAPE/PET 30% core, 1.5 dtex, 6 mm) and deposited on the forming wire. Thenext layer consisted of 80 gsm of cellulose (Golden Isles® 4723,fully-treated pulp made by GP Cellulose) blended with 30 gsm of highcore bicomponent fibers having a PET core and a polyethylene sheath witha core to sheath ratio of 7:3 (TREVIRA PE/PET 70% core, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm).The top layer was composed of 25 gsm of eccentric bicomponent fibershaving a PET core and a polyethylene sheath (Fibervisions ETE857G8PE/PET, 5.7 dtex, 6 mm). The bottom, eucalyptus layer was also sprayedwith a 5 gsm polymeric binder in the form of an emulsion (VINNAPAS 192,WACKER+0.8% AEROSOL OT75 surfactant). The total weight of the structurewas calculated to be 200 gsm.

Sample 6G was a multi-layer unitary structure which was formed on aDanweb Airlaid Pilot Plant. 53 gsm of eucalyptus pulp (SUZANO,untreated) was mixed with 7 gsm of bicomponent fibers having a PET coreand a polyethylene sheath (TREVIRA Type 255-1663, 2.2 dtex, 3 mm) anddeposited on the forming wire. The next layer consisted of 53 gsm ofcellulose (Golden Isles® 4723, fully-treated pulp made by GP Cellulose)blended with 22 gsm of high core bicomponent fibers having a PET core apolyethylene sheath with a core to sheath ratio of 7:3 (TREVIRA PE/PET70% core, 1.7 dtex 6 mm). The top layer was composed of 25 gsm ofeccentric bicomponent fibers having a PET core and a polyethylene sheath(Fibervisions ETE857G8 PE/PET, 5.7 dtex, 6 mm). The bottom, eucalyptuslayer was also sprayed with a 5 gsm polymeric binder in the form of anemulsion (VINNAPAS 192, WACKER+0.8% AEROSOL OT75 surfactant). The totalweight of the structure was calculated to be 165 gsm.

Sample 6H was a multi-layer unitary structure which was formed on a LabPad Former. 53 gsm of cellulose pulp (Golden Isles® 4723, fully-treatedpulp made by GP Cellulose) was mixed with 7 gsm of bicomponent fibershaving a PET core and a polyethylene sheath with a core to sheath ratioof 3:7 (TREVIRA PE/PET 30% core, 1.5 dtex, 6 mm) and deposited on thewire. The next layer consisted of 80 gsm of cellulose (Golden Isles®4723, fully-treated pulp made by GP Cellulose) blended with 30 gsm ofhigh core bicomponent fibers having a PET core and a polyethylene sheathwith a core to sheath ratio of 7:3 (TREVIRA PE/PET 70% core, 1.7 dtex, 6mm). The top layer was composed of 25 gsm of eccentric bicomponentfibers have a PET core and a polyethylene sheath (Fibervisions ETE857G8PE/PET, 5.7 dtex, 6 mm). The bottom, cellulose layer was also sprayedwith a 5 gsm polymeric binder in the form of an emulsion (VINNAPAS 192,WACKER+0.8% AEROSOL OT75 surfactant). The total weight of the structurewas calculated to be 200 gsm.

Table 10, below, provides a pictorial description of the compositions ofSamples 6A-6H:

TABLE 10 Layer Composition Sample Top 25 gsm eccentric bico (PE/PP, 5.7dtex, 4 mm) 6A Middle 53 gsm cellulose fluff (GP-4723) 22 gsm bico(PE/PET, 2.2 dtex, 6 mm) SAP 35 gsm SAP (Evonik Corporation Favor SXM7900) Bottom 35 gsm eucalyptus pulp 7 gsm bico (PE/PET, 2.2 dtex, 3 mm)5 gsm Vinnapas 192 with 0.8% surfactant Sample Top 25 gsm eccentric bico(PE/PP, 5.7 dtex, 6 mm) 6B Middle 53 gsm cellulose fluff (GP-4723) 22gsm concentric bico (PE/PET, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm, 70% core) SAP 35 gsm SAP(Evonik Corporation Favor SXM 7900) Bottom 53 gsm eucalyptus pulp 7 gsmbico (PE/PET, 2.2 dtex, 3 mm) 5 gsm Vinnapas 192 with 0.8% surfactantSample Top 25 gsm eccentric bico (PE/PP, 5.7 dtex, 4 mm) 6C Middle 80gsm cellulose fluff (GP-4723) 30 gsm bico (PE/PET, 2.2 dtex, 6 mm)Bottom 53 gsm eucalyptus pulp 7 gsm bico (PE/PET, 2.2 dtex, 3 mm) 5 gsmVinnapas 192 with 0.8% surfactant Sample Top 25 gsm eccentric bico(PE/PP, 5.7 dtex, 4 mm) 6D Middle 80 gsm cellulose fluff (GP-4723) 30gsm concentric bico (PE/PET, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm, 70% core) Bottom 53 gsmeucalyptus pulp 7 gsm bico (PE/PET, 2.2 dtex, 3 mm) 5 gsm Vinnapas 192with 0.8% surfactant Sample Top 25 gsm eccentric bico (PE/PET, 5.7 dtex,6 mm) 6E Middle 80 gsm cellulose fluff (GP-4723) 30 gsm concentric bico(PE/PET, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm, 70% core) Bottom 53 gsm eucalyptus pulp 7 gsmbico (PE/PET, 2.2 dtex, 3 mm) 5 gsm Vinnapas 192 with 0.8% surfactantSample Top 25 gsm eccentric bico (PE/PET, 5.7 dtex, 6 mm) 6F Middle 80gsm cellulose fluff (GP-4723) 30 gsm concentric bico (PE/PET, 1.7 dtex,6 mm, 70% core) Bottom 53 gsm eucalyptus pulp 7 gsm bico (PE/PET, 1.5dtex, 6 mm, 30% core) 5 gsm Vinnapas 192 with 0.8% surfactant Sample Top25 gsm eccentric bico (PE/PET, 5.7 dtex, 6 mm) 6G Middle 53 gsmcellulose fluff (GP-4723) 22 gsm concentric bico (PE/PET, 1.7 dtex, 6mm, 70% core) Bottom 53 gsm eucalyptus pulp 7 gsm bico (PE/PET, 2.2dtex, 3 mm) 5 gsm Vinnapas 192 with 0.8% surfactant Sample Top 25 gsmeccentric bico (PE/PET, 5.7 dtex, 6 mm) 6H Middle 80 gsm cellulose fluff(GP-4723) 30 gsm concentric bico (PE/PET, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm, 70% core)Bottom 53 gsm cellulose fluff (GP-4723) 7 gsm bico (PE/PET, 1.5 dtex, 6mm, 30% core) 5 gsm Vinnapas 192 with 0.8% surfactant

In addition to Samples 6A-6H, a Control was formed as an absorbentcomposite composed of two separate layers, stacked one on another. Thetop layer of the Control served as a liquid acquisition layer whereasthe bottom layer was an absorbent core containing superabsorbent powder(SAP). The liquid acquisition layer was a commercially-available 60 gsmlatex-bonded airlaid (LBAL) product, Vicell 6609, made byGeorgia-Pacific Steinfurt. The absorbent core was a 175 gsmcommercially-available multi-bonded airlaid (MBAL), 175 MBS3A,containing SAP, made by Georgia-Pacific Steinfurt.

The liquid acquisition characteristics of the Control and Samples 6A-6Hwere measured with a synthetic blood solution using the liquidacquisition performance testing procedures described below. Syntheticblood was purchased from Johnson, Moen & Co. Inc. (Rochester, Minn.)(Lot #201141; February 2014). The synthetic blood had a surface tensionof 40-44 dynes/cm (ASTM F23.40-F1670) and included various chemicalsincluding ammonium polyacrylate polymer, Azo Red Dye, HPLC distilledwater, among other proprietary ingredients.

The testing apparatus consists of a 29.2 cm×19.1 cm×0.6 cm hard plasticplate with a 1.9 cm inner diameter hole cut in the center. Attachedabove the hole was a weighted stainless steel cylinder with a 1.9 cminner diameter. The cylinder had a height of 5.1 cm, making the completeapparatus a total of 5.7 cm tall and weighing a total of 747.3 g.

Each material (having dimensions 6.5 cm×20.5 cm) was compressed with a8.190 k plate for 1 minute prior to testing for the liquid acquisitionperformance using the synthetic blood solution. The material wasinsulted with 4, 8, or 10 mL of the synthetic blood, depending on thetest performed, at a rate of 10 mL/min. The acquisition time wasmeasured from the start of insult until the liquid was no longer visiblein the insult cylinder. A total of three insults were performed,yielding acquisition times #1, #2, and #3. The time interval betweeneach of the insults was 10 minutes.

Further, the rewet characteristics of each material were analyzed aftermeasuring the three acquisition times. After the third acquisition timemeasurement, three pre-weighed square plies (10.1 cm×10.1 cm) ofcollagen (Coffi collagen supplied by Viscofan USA), were placed on topof the tested material. A thin Plexiglas plate and a weight were placedon top of the collagen plies for one minute. The Plexiglas and weightexerted a total pressure of 1.7 kPa. The collagen plies were thenweighed to determine the rewet result.

Wicking testing was performed on each sample after Acquisitions #1, 2,and 3 and rewet were completed. The samples were reversed, such that theunderside of the core was on top. A standard metric ruler was then usedto measure the visible stain lengthwise along the product. Thismeasurement was taken from the outer edge of the stain on one side, tothe outer edge of the stain on the other, parallel to the long edge ofthe product.

For each test, three trials were performed for various insult volumes (4mL, 8 mL, and 10 mL). All of Samples 6A-6H and the Control were testedwith insult volumes of 4 mL. Samples 6A and 6C-6F, as well as theControl, were tested with insult volumes of 8 mL. Samples 6A, 6B, and6F, as well as the Control, were tested with insult volumes of 10 mL.The average results for each volume, and for each sample are provided inTable 11, below. FIGS. 7A-7C provide the acquisition times, rewetweight, and wicking data for each sample and the Control after testingwith 4 mL insults. FIGS. 8A-8C provide the acquisition times, rewetweight, and wicking data for each tested sample and the Control aftertesting with 8 mL insults. FIGS. 9A-9C provide the acquisition times,rewet weight, and wicking data for each tested sample and the Controlafter testing with 10 mL insults.

TABLE 11 Acq. Acq. Acq. Rewet Sheet Basis Time #1 Time #2 Time #3 Wt.Thickness wt. Wt. Wicking Sample Insult (s) (s) (s) (g) (mm) (g) (gsm)(mm) Control 4 mL 25.22 29.59 49.46 0.33 — — — 84 8 mL 49.83 106.15164.37 0.50 — — — 103.33 10 mL  62.47 158.75 232.30 0.52 — — — 148.33 6A4 mL 25.09 27.58 34.91 0.04 3.33 2.76 216.87 107 8 mL 49.21 70.17 96.660.08 3.53 2.98 234.19 167 10 mL  62.92 102.28 134.45 0.12 — 2.72 214 1976B 4 mL 24.95 25.08 25.27 0.04 3.65 2.87 225.93 117 10 mL  60.90 66.2076.64 0.12 — 2.65 209 200 6C 4 mL 24.98 25.49 26.01 0.04 3.66 2.68210.97 165 8 mL 49.38 54.67 87.40 0.21 3.65 2.64 207.82 200 6D 4 mL25.18 25.75 26.52 0.04 3.70 2.69 211.36 165 8 mL 4.22 54.66 85.76 0.193.61 2.52 197.98 200 6E 4 mL 24.83 25.04 25.20 0.02 4.15 2.75 216.48 1758 mL 48.83 49.04 49.29 0.08 4.00 2.65 208.61 200 6F 4 mL 24.75 25.0625.32 0.02 4.04 2.68 210.71 187 8 mL 48.77 49.12 49.26 0.08 4.17 2.72213.86 200 10 mL  60.94 61.21 63.92 0.26 — 2.62 206 200 6G 4 mL 24.8825.11 25.37 0.02 3.47 2.22 174.37 193 6H 4 mL 24.86 25.05 25.16 0.046.50 2.84 223.17 145

As shown in FIGS. 7A, 8A, and 9A, the samples containing high corebicomponent fibers (e.g., Samples 6B and 6D-6H) generally had improvedacquisition times as compared to the Control composition material andsamples without high core bicomponent fibers (e.g., Samples 6A and 6C),and this effect was more significant at higher insult volumes.Additionally, the samples with high core bicomponent fibers hadgenerally similar or improved rewet and wicking, particularly at lowerinsult volumes (see, e.g., FIGS. 7B-7C).

To further compare the samples under compression, Samples 6C (withouthigh core bicomponent fibers) and 6D (with high core bicomponent fibers)were placed under a load. The samples were placed between two 35.6cm×35.6 cm cardboard sheets, and run through a roller press set to apressure of 4 bar. This compression was done immediately before testingon one set of samples and 1 hour before testing on the second set ofsamples. The same testing method described earlier in this Example wasused to determine the acquisition times, rewet, and wicking. For eachtest, three trials were performed with insult volumes of 4 mL. Theaverage results for each tested sample prior to compression, immediatelyafter compression, and 1 hour after compression are provided in Table12, below. Additionally, FIGS. 10A-10C provide the acquisition times,rewet weight, and wicking data for each tested sample.

TABLE 12 Acq. Acq. Acq. Rewet Time #1 Time #2 Time #3 Wt. ThicknessWicking Sample Timing of Test (s) (s) (s) (g) (mm) (mm) 6C prior tocompression 24.98 25.49 26.01 0.04 3.66 165 immediately aftercompression 26.83 37.59 57.01 0.08 2.22 183 1 hour after compression25.92 33.31 47.54 0.07 2.56 177 6D prior to compression 25.18 25.7526.52 0.04 3.70 165 immediately after compression 26.27 31.17 48.05 0.062.17 183 1 hour after compression 25.37 30.08 42.95 0.03 2.52 182

As shown in FIG. 10A, Sample 6D with the high core bicomponent fibershas improved acquisition times after compression as compared to Sample6C, particularly after repeated insults. Accordingly, these dataestablish that the high core bicomponent fiber is more resilient thanthe other bicomponent fibers used in Sample 6C, which allows theinternal layer to maintain its structure better than with other fibers.It is surmised that the better acquisition times and lower rewet values(see FIGS. 10A-10B) are the result of the channels within the fibrousnetwork retaining their shape and resisting collapse during compressionand/or wetting.

Additionally, the samples of this Example used eucalyptus fiber, whichhas the benefit of increased wicking. Thus, a greater area of the sampleis utilized and liquid is pulled away from the insult area, allowing forbetter rewet and increased capacity for liquid storage. Because more ofthe structure is used, it improves the overall functionality as comparedto similar basis weight products, particularly composite, non-unitarystructures.

Example 7: Nonwoven Material Including Patterned Indentations

In this Example, a patterned nonwoven material was formed in an airlaidprocess using a patterned forming wire. A control sample was also formedusing a conventional “flat” forming wire (ET100S). The sample (Sample 7)was produced on a Dan-Web airlaid machine, utilizing an Albany RibTech84 forming wire (Albany International). The sample was a thermal-bondedairlaid (TBAL) material, consisting of 3 layers, with each layer havinga blend of bicomponent thermal-bonding fibers and SSK pulp fibers. Thesample was constructed with outer layers containing low core bicomponentfibers having a core to sheath ratio of 3:7 and an intermediate layercontaining high core bicomponent fibers having a care to sheath ratio of7:3. Each layer further included GP 4725 cellulose pulp. The compositionof the material is shown in Table 13, below.

TABLE 13 Sample Top 4.0 gsm PE/PET bicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath,7 6 mm, 1.5 dtex) 8.5 gsm GP 4725 Middle 2.6 gsm PE/PET bicomponentfibers (7:3 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.7 dtex) 9.4 gsm GP 4725 Bottom 8.4 gsmPE/PET bicomponent fibers (3:7 core:sheath, 6 mm, 1.5 dtex) 16.6 gsm GP4725

Sample 7 had an average basis weight of 48.9 gsm and an average caliperof 1.7 mm. Due to the surface topography of the forming wire, the sideof the sample formed nearest the wire had a ridged surface, with theridges running in the cross-machine-direction (“CD”), thus there areareas of alternating high and low basis weight (“ridges” and “valleys”)in the machine direction (“MD”) (see FIG. 11 A). Measurements of thesample indicated that the ridges had a caliper of about 1.5 mm and a MDwidth of about 2.6 mm, while the valleys had a caliper of about 1.0 mmand MD width of about 1.3 mm (see FIGS. 11A-11B). Because the fiberswere deposited onto the forming wire with a uniform density of 0.029g/cc, the ridges had a basis weight of about 37 gsm, whereas the valleyshad a basis weight of about 12 gsm. Thus, the ridges had a higher basisweight than the valleys. The pattern of differential basis weightimparts unique properties to the material, unlike a material having auniform basis weight throughout. Table 14 shows the average propertiesof Sample 7, which was prepared as an 8 inch by 10 inch sheet with noembossing.

TABLE 14 Sheet Weight (g) (target 2.32-2.58 g) 2.52 Basis Weight (gsm)(target 45-50 gsm) 48.9 Porosity, ridged side up (cfm/sqft) 147.1Porosity, flat side up (cfm/sqft) 147.2 Caliper (mm) 1.7 MD Dry TensileStrength (gli) 557 CD Dry Tensile Strength (gli) 515 MD Wet TensileStrength (gli) 437 CD Wet Tensile Strength (gli) 419 MD Dry Elongation(%) 31 CD Dry Elongation (%) 37 MD Wet Elongation (%) 30 CD WetElongation (%) 36

For the data in Table 14, porosity was measured on a TexTest FX3300 IVAir Permeability Tester (TexTest Instruments, Schwerzenbach,Switzerland). Caliper was measured on a ProGage Thickness Tester(Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, West Berlin, N.J.). Tensile Strengthand Elongation were measured on an EJA Vantage Tensile Tester(Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, West Berlin, N.J.). It was found thatthe CD ridges resulted in the MD and CD tensile strengths being verynearly equal. In contrast, a material with a uniform basis weight willtypically have significantly higher MD tensile strength than CD tensilestrength due to MD fiber orientation. However, in Sample 7, the lowerbasis weight valleys running in the CD reduced the MD tensile strengths.

For further illustration, Sample 7 was embossed with heat and pressureto impart a decorative pattern overlying the pattern of ridges andvalleys. FIG. 12A shows a plan view of a material that has been embossedwith an oval-shaped design and FIG. 12B shows a plan view of a materialthat has been embossed with a heart-shaped design. FIG. 12C shows across-sectional view of an embossed material. As shown in FIG. 12C, theembossed areas are densified (i.e., having a higher density, but thesame basis weight as surrounding areas) whereas the areas formed by theridged forming wire are merely thinner (i.e., having the same density,but a lower basis weight as surrounding areas).

For comparison, a second sample (Sample 7A) was prepared with the samecomposition as Sample 7, but with the ridges and valleys running thewidth of the sample, i.e., in the MD. The overhang length and bendinglength of each sample were measured on a FRL Cantilever Bending Tester(Testing Machines Inc., New Castle, Del.). These data are provided inTable 15. As shown in Table 15, Sample 7 (i.e., with ridges running inthe CD) was found to bend more readily than Sample 7A (i.e., with ridgesrunning in the MD).

TABLE 15 Sample 7 (CD) 7A (MD) Weight (g) 0.249 0.250 Length (cm) 20 20Width (cm) 2.5 2.5 Basis Weight (gsm) 49.8 50.1 Overhang Length (mm) 63102 Bending Length (mm) 31.7 51.0

Example 8: Multi-Layer Nonwoven Material

In this Example, 3 sample multi-layer nonwoven materials (Samples 8A-8C)were prepared, each containing SUZANO EUCOFLUFF eucalyptus pulp fibers.The samples were produced on a Dan-Web airlaid machine, utilizing 3forming heads. Sample 8A was a thermal-bonded airlaid (TBAL) material,consisting of 3 layers, with outer layers having a blend of bicomponentthermal-bonding fibers having a core to sheath ratio of 3:7, eucalyptuspulp fibers, and SSK pulp fibers, and a middle layer of bicomponentthermal-bonding fibers having a core to sheath ratio of 7:3 and SSK pulpfibers. Sample 8B was similar to Sample 8A, but with a binder applied tothe bottom of the material. Sample 8C was similar to Sample 8A, but witha binder applied to both the top and bottom of the material. Table 16provides the compositions of each sample.

TABLE 16 Layer Composition Sample Top 6.5 gsm concentric bico (PE/PET,1.5 dtex, 6 mm, 30% core) 8A 1.39 gsm eucalyptus pulp 12.75 gsm GP 4725Middle 3.2 gsm concentric bico (PE/PET, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm, 70% core) 4.2gsm GP 4725 Bottom 5.6 gsm concentric bico (PE/PET, 1.5 dtex, 6 mm, 30%core) 1.39 gsm eucalyptus pulp 18 gsm GP 4725 Sample Top 6.5 gsmconcentric bico (PE/PET, 1.5 dtex, 6 mm, 30% core) 8B 1.39 gsmeucalyptus pulp 12.75 gsm GP 4725 Middle 3.2 gsm concentric bico(PE/PET, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm, 70% core) 4.2 gsm GP 4725 Bottom 5.6 gsmconcentric bico (PE/PET, 1.5 dtex, 6 mm, 30% core) 1.39 gsm eucalyptuspulp 18 gsm GP 4725 Binder 1.36 gsm Wacker Vinnapas 192 Sample Binder1.36 gsm Wacker Vinnapas 192 8C Top 6.5 gsm concentric bico (PE/PET, 1.5dtex, 6 mm, 30% core) 1.39 gsm eucalyptus pulp 12.75 gsm GP 4725 Middle3.2 gsm concentric bico (PE/PET, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm, 70% core) 4.2 gsm GP4725 Bottom 5.6 gsm concentric bico (PE/PET, 1.5 dtex, 6 mm, 30% core)1.39 gsm eucalyptus pulp 18 gsm GP 4725 Binder 1.36 gsm Wacker Vinnapas192

The calipers, tensile strengths, and elongations of Samples 8A-8C weremeasured and are shown in Table 17. Caliper was measured on a ProGageThickness Tester (Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, West Berlin, N.J.).Tensile strength and elongation were measured on an EJA Vantage TensileTester (Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, West Berlin, N.J.).

TABLE 17 Sample 8A 8B 8C Basis Weight (gsm) (target 45-50 gsm) 52.7 56.553.5 Caliper (mm) 1.32 1.36 1.42 MD Dry Tensile Strength (gli) 712 664770 CD Dry Tensile Strength (gli) 674 556 560 MD Wet Tensile Strength(gli) 432 425 473 CD Wet Tensile Strength (gli) 332 306 315 MD DryElongation (%) 21 23 27 CD Dry Elongation (%) 35 37 40 MD Wet Elongation(%) 21 22 25 CD Wet Elongation (%) 32 34 38

In addition to the various embodiments depicted and claimed, thedisclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments havingother combinations of the features disclosed and claimed herein. Assuch, the particular features presented herein can be combined with eachother in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject mattersuch that the disclosed subject matter includes any suitable combinationof the features disclosed herein. The foregoing description of specificembodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodimentsdisclosed.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the systems and methods ofthe disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scopeof the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosedsubject matter include modifications and variations that are within thescope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Various patents and patent applications are cited herein, the contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

What is claimed is:
 1. An airlaid nonwoven material, comprising: a firstlayer comprising first high core bicomponent fibers having a polyestercore and a polyethylene sheath and a core to sheath ratio of greaterthan about 1:1; and a second layer comprising first bicomponent fibershaving a core to sheath ratio of less than 1:1 blended with second highcore bicomponent fibers having a core to sheath ratio of greater than1:1, wherein the nonwoven material is patterned on at least one surfacein the cross-machine direction (CD).
 2. The airlaid nonwoven material ofclaim 1, wherein the first high core bicomponent fibers have a core tosheath ratio of about 7:3.
 3. The airlaid nonwoven material of claim 1,having a basis weight of from about 50 gsm to about 100 gsm.
 4. Theairlaid nonwoven material of claim 1, having a caliper of from about 0.1mm to about 7.5 mm.
 5. The airlaid nonwoven material of claim 1, furthercomprising cellulose fibers.
 6. The airlaid nonwoven material of claim1, wherein the second layer further comprises cellulose fibers.
 7. Theairlaid nonwoven material of claim 6, further comprising a third layercomprising low core bicomponent fibers.
 8. The airlaid nonwoven materialof claim 1, further comprising: a third layer comprising low corebicomponent fibers and cellulose fibers, wherein the second layerfurther comprises cellulose fibers.
 9. An acquisition material,comprising the airlaid nonwoven material of claim
 8. 10. An absorbentproduct, comprising the acquisition material of claim 9 and an absorbentcore.
 11. The airlaid nonwoven material of claim 1, further comprising:a third layer comprising cellulose fibers.
 12. The airlaid nonwovenmaterial of claim 11, wherein the first layer and/or the second layerfurther comprise cellulose fibers.
 13. The airlaid nonwoven material ofclaim 12, wherein the cellulose fibers of the first and/or second layerand the third layer comprise eucalyptus pulp.
 14. The airlaid nonwovenmaterial of claim 1, wherein the nonwoven material is patterned withindentations.
 15. The airlaid nonwoven material of claim 14, wherein theindentations form valleys and ridges on at least one outer surface ofthe nonwoven material.
 16. The airlaid nonwoven material of claim 15,wherein the valleys and ridges have different basis weights.
 17. Theairlaid nonwoven material of claim 15, wherein the valleys have a basisweight of from about 5 gsm to about 15 gsm, and the ridges have a basisweight of from about 35 gsm to about 45 gsm.
 18. An absorbent product,comprising the airlaid nonwoven material of claim 1.